A Federal High Court has in Abuja convicted Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), for engaging in acts of terrorism.
Justice James Omotosho, the judgment in Kanu’s terrorism trial, found him guilty on counts one and two of the seven-count charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Justice Omotosho ruled that the threats of violence and killings, along with the declaration of sit-at-home orders across the South-East in his broadcasts, constitute acts of terrorism.
On count three, the judge held that Nnamdi Kanu admitted in his broadcast to being a member of IPOB, a group earlier designated as a terrorist organization by the Federal High Court.
Justice Omotosho held that based on the evidence provided by the prosecution, the ingredients of terrorism were established in the exhibits against Kanu by his intention and conduct.
The Judge noted that Kanu did not take the option to open his defence, adding that he “failed and deliberately refused to give any exculpatory evidence” on the charges brought against him.
Before announcing the conviction, Justice Omotosho accused Kanu of being unruly and disrespecting the court.
He said that the rudeness of the IPOB Leader climaxed with his disruption of the court’s proceedings.
The court is currently delivering judgement on the other parts of the seven-count charges of terrorism brought against Kanu.
Justice Omotosho is expected to announce Nnamdi Kanu’s sentence later.
Kanu is entitled to challenge Omotosho’s ruling at the appellate court.
More details later……
