Abuja: The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on all seven counts of terrorism offences. Justice James Omotosho presided over the case, ruling that the evidence presented by the prosecution remained unchallenged as Kanu failed to open his defence.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the judge dismissed Kanu’s argument that the charges against him were invalid on the grounds of being based on the repealed Terrorism Prevention Act of 2013. The court found that the defendant did not provide any evidence to counter the charges. Justice Omotosho stated that the court would rely on the uncontroverted evidence provided by the prosecution.
In his decision, Justice Omotosho identified four critical issues for determination. These included whether the defendant was denied the right to a fair hearing, whether claims of extraordinary rendition invalidated the case, whether the provisions under which Kanu was tried were repealed laws, and whether the prosecution established its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The judge emphasized that any form of self-determination not conducted within the legal framework of the country would be deemed illegal. He stated that Kanu used terrorism as a means to terrorize the people, noting the irony of Kanu, who claimed to be a freedom fighter, terrorizing his own people, including those of Christian faith. The judge declared Kanu a terrorist, asserting that he should be treated as such.
Justice Omotosho concluded that the prosecution successfully established its case beyond reasonable doubt, leading to Kanu’s conviction on all seven counts as charged. However, the court has yet to announce the sentence for the convict.