A federal high court in Abuja has convicted Nnamdi Kanu,
leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on the first count out of
seven terrorism charges preferred against him.
In his judgment on Thursday, James Omotosho, presiding
judge, referenced evidence adduced by the prosecution including video
interviews showing Kanu making several violent threats against Nigeria and its
citizens.
The first count accuses Kanu of making a September 2021
broadcast “with intent to intimidate the population”, allegedly threatening
that “people would die” and that “the whole world would standstill”.
The prosecution described the broadcast as an act of
terrorism under section 1(2)(b) of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act,
2015.
While analysing the evidence, Omotosho referenced video
recordings tendered by the prosecution in which Kanu issued violent threats,
saying the materials demonstrated a clear intent.
“His intention was quite clear as he believed in violence.
These threats of violence were nothing but terrorist acts, which were duly
carried out by his followers. He was consumed by violence and didn’t mind if
his own people died in the process. It is clear that the defendant carried out
preparatory acts of terrorism,” the judge said.
He noted that Kanu repeatedly refused opportunities to
explain the context of the broadcasts.
“Consequently, the defendant is hereby convicted with
respect to count one,” Omotosho said.
The court is still delivering judgment on the remaining
charges.
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