By Ogochukwu Isioma
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, has convicted Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on the first and second counts out of seven terrorism charges preferred against him.
In his judgment on Thursday, Justice 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 court will rely on the uncontroverted evidence of the prosecution. This court, therefore, finds that the prosecution has discharged Count 1 beyond reasonable doubt. Consequently, the defendant (Kanu) is hereby convicted in respect of Count 1,” Justice Omotosho ruled.
On Count two, the court held that the defendant issued threats against anyone who failed to obey the sit-at-home order in the South-Eastern states of Nigeria.
“Prosecution evidence showed clearly that Mr. Kanu personally issued these threats, which were circulated through his broadcasts and directives,” Justice Omotoso held.
The court ruled that ordering a sit-at-home without constitutional authority is an unlawful act that violates the rights and freedoms of other citizens.
Justice Omotosho held that the declaration made without any constitutional or legal power constitutes a terrorist act, given its intent to intimidate the population and coerce compliance through fear.
More to follow …
