A Nigerian court has convicted separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu of terrorism. The verdict was delivered following a legal process spanning a decade. The court determined that Kanu had made broadcasts intended to incite violence and killings, consistent with his campaign for a separate state in southeastern Nigeria known as Biafra. Kanu was found guilty on all seven charges, which included terrorism, treason, and involvement with an organization deemed unlawful. The court has adjourned, with sentencing expected at a later date.
Background of Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB
Nnamdi Kanu gained public prominence in 2009 with the establishment of Radio Biafra, a London-based station advocating for an independent state for the Igbo people. Born and raised in southeastern Nigeria, Kanu subsequently relocated to the United Kingdom, where he acquired British nationality. In 2014, he founded the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), a movement dedicated to achieving independence. IPOB was officially designated as a terrorist organization in Nigeria in 2017. Its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, has been linked to incidents of violence in recent years. Kanu consistently denied all charges and contested the court's authority to prosecute him.
Judicial Proceedings and Legal History
Judge James Omotosho stated during the judgment delivery that Mr. Kanu acted with full awareness of his actions and intended to carry out his threats. The judge concluded that evidence indicated Kanu had engaged in preparatory acts of terrorism and failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for his conduct. Ahead of the ruling, Kanu had asserted that proceedings could not continue due to an outstanding final written address, also accusing the judge of bias and a lack of legal understanding. He was removed from the courtroom prior to the verdict being delivered due to disruptive behavior.
Kanu's legal trajectory includes his initial arrest in October 2015. He subsequently absconded bail in 2017 following a military operation at his residence, leading to the revocation of his bail in March 2019. In 2021, the Nigerian government announced his re-arrest; his legal team alleged he was detained in Kenya and forcibly repatriated to Nigeria, an assertion Kenya has not commented on. An appeal court in 2022 had ordered the dismissal of charges against him, citing an illegal arrest abroad, but this decision was subsequently overturned by the Supreme Court in 2023.
The Biafran Independence Movement
The demand for Biafran independence has historical roots dating back to 1967 when Igbo leaders declared a Biafran state. This led to a civil war that resulted in an estimated one million fatalities before the secessionist movement was defeated. A segment of the Igbo population continues to express feelings of marginalization by the Nigerian state, although the extent of support for full independence remains varied.