Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja described the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, as an international terrorist, citing his alleged threats to bomb the U.S. Embassy and attack former British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing.
The judge made this finding on Thursday while ruling on count six of the charges. He stated that Kanu’s threats against diplomatic missions and comments targeting Laing, whom he described as a “woman of peace,” elevated the conduct beyond local terrorism.
Justice Omotosho also noted that Kanu’s broadcast encouraging graduates of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering to produce Molotov cocktails constituted a terrorist act. He referenced another broadcast from October 21, 2020, in which Kanu urged followers to “go to the bush” and attack any police or military convoy, calling security personnel enemies who “also bleed.”
The judge said these statements, particularly those involving international diplomats—who are protected persons under the law—amount to offences punishable by life imprisonment. He added that allowing Kanu to continue such activities could have triggered diplomatic conflict between Nigeria and its international partners.
He concluded that the prosecution had successfully proved the charges and convicted Kanu.
Kanu has been held by the Department of State Services since June 2021, following his arrest abroad and return to Nigeria to face allegations including terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement. His case has seen repeated delays, with his defence arguing that his capture and prolonged detention breach domestic and international legal standards.
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