The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on all seven terrorism-related charges filed against him by the Federal Government. He has been sentenced to life imprisonment.

Presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, delivered the verdict on Thursday, finding Kanu guilty on all counts, which include acts of terrorism, leading a proscribed organization, and issuing threats that endangered lives and public safety.

Here is a breakdown of the seven counts Kanu was convicted for:

Broadcasts Advocating Secession: Kanu, through Radio Biafra in 2014 and 2015, allegedly planned for the South-East, South-South, Kogi, and Benue states to secede from Nigeria and form the Republic of Biafra.

Defaming the President: On April 28, 2015, Kanu reportedly referred to President Muhammadu Buhari as a “paedophile, terrorist, idiot, and embodiment of evil” on Radio Biafra.

Importing Radio Transmitter for IPOB Activities: Between March and April 2015, Kanu allegedly imported a Radio transmitter (TRAM 50L) into Nigeria concealed as used household items.

Membership in Proscribed Organization: Between 2018 and 2021, Kanu claimed membership in IPOB, a banned organization under Nigerian law.

Incitement of Violence: On April 22, 2021, Kanu allegedly encouraged IPOB members to target security personnel and their families through Radio Biafra.

Broadcasting Terror Threats: On May 16, 2021, he reportedly warned that a catastrophic event would occur in two weeks, threatening lives and public safety.

Issuing Sit-at-Home Orders with Deadly Threats: On May 31, 2021, Kanu allegedly ordered a sit-at-home protest, threatening anyone who defied it, resulting in the closure of banks, markets, schools, and other public facilities.

The court found that all these acts violated sections of the Criminal Code Act and the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act, 2013, leading to Kanu’s life sentence.

This verdict has reignited national and international debate over security, political activism, and religious persecution in Nigeria.

Source: The PUNCH