- Safiu Kehinde
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has declared the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, a terrorist while convicting him of all seven counts contained in the terrorism charge filed against him.
Justice James Omotosho, the presiding judge, made the declaration while delivering his judgement over the trial of the embattled IPOB leader on Thursday.
While presenting his final analysis of the trial, Omotosho held that Kanu is a terrorist and must be treated as one.
The presiding judge ruled that the seven-count charge filed against him were successfully established by the prosecution counsel.
“These act of the defendant consistent with the agitation for self-determination, the answer is in the negative once again.
“The defendant was not elected by anybody and so cannot dictate for the people of the Southeast, especially through intimidation and threat of violence. He is a terrorist and must be treated as such.
“In final analysis, the prosecution has successfully established the seven-count charge against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt.
“Consequently, he is convicted on all the seven counts.” Omotosho ruled.
“The declaration of a sit-at-home without any constitutional power, especially accompanied by a threat is a terrorist’s act. The defendant did not present any evidence to rebuff the case of the prosecution.
“Consequently, he admitted the evidence as presented by the prosecution. The position has successfully proved count two beyond reasonable doubt.
“Consequently, the defendant is hereby convicted of count two.” He said.
The judge further found Kanu guilty of count four and five which bordered on his incitement violent attacks which led to the murder of 175 security personnel and destruction of government properties during the 2020 #EndSARS protest.
He was also declared guilty of illegal operation of Radio Biafra.