The presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, delivered the judgment on Thursday, affirming that the prosecution had provided sufficient evidence, including video broadcasts in which Kanu issued violent threats against Nigeria and its citizens.
Kanu was found guilty on counts one and two for making inflammatory broadcasts aimed at inciting violence, killings, and enforcing sit-at-home orders across the South-East. The court ruled that these statements, made during multiple broadcasts, qualified as acts of terrorism under the Terrorism Prevention Act.
Justice Omotosho also held Kanu guilty on counts four and five relating to his role in inciting violence during the #EndSARS protests—actions which prosecutors said resulted in the killing of security personnel and the destruction of public facilities in Lagos.
The judge dismissed Kanu’s claim that he was denied fair hearing, insisting that due process was followed throughout the trial. He emphasized that the acts attributed to the IPOB leader were unconstitutional and posed a grave threat to national security.
He cited one of Kanu’s broadcasts:
“Saying there will be a complete shutdown of Biafraland… if you open your shop, we will burn you in that shop.”
According to the court, such directives contributed to widespread fear, deserted streets, closed markets, and disruption of economic activities in the entire South-East region.
Justice Omotosho further quoted Kanu’s broadcast declaring that “the Army of Nigeria will die” and that “everything called Nigeria will perish in Biafra,” ruling that such statements constituted explicit calls for violence.
While the maximum penalty for the offence carries a death sentence, the court did not immediately announce sentencing as proceedings were adjourned.
More details are expected as the judgment continues.
