Breaking: Court convicts Nnamdi Kanu on first terrorism charge
The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on one of the seven terrorism charges filed against him by the Federal Government.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling on Thursday, November 20, 2025, shortly after Kanu was escorted out of the courtroom by security operatives for repeatedly interrupting proceedings and openly contesting the judge’s decision to give judgment.
The conviction was issued on the first count, which carries a maximum penalty of death. The court is still ruling on the remaining six charges, all of which also attract capital punishment. Justice Omotosho is expected to pronounce Kanu’s sentence afterward.
Before delivering the verdict, the trial judge rebuked Kanu for what he described as unruly conduct and persistent disrespect for the authority of the court, culminating in the disruption of the session.
Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021 after his controversial return from Kenya—a process his legal team calls “extraordinary rendition”—is being prosecuted on allegations of terrorism, incitement, managing an unlawful organization, and actions deemed harmful to national security. He has consistently denied all charges.
The judge had earlier scheduled judgment for November 20 after Kanu failed to open his defence despite being allotted six days to do so.
Kanu still has the legal right to appeal the conviction at the Court of Appeal.
