Nigerian court convicts Biafran separatist leader on terrorism charges

Judge says Nnamdi Kanu used his Indigenous People of Biafra group to incite attacks on security officials and civilians

A Nigerian court has convicted the Biafran separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu on terrorism-related charges.

Judge James Omotosho said prosecutors had shown that Kanu, who also holds British citizenship, had used his Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to incite attacks on security officials and civilians in south-east Nigeria.

“His intention was quite clear as he believed in violence. These threats of violence were nothing but terrorist acts,” judge Omotosho said.

Kanu, 58, who had dismissed his legal team and represented himself during the trial, was earlier ejected from court for “unruly” behaviour. “Which law states that you can charge me on an unwritten law? Show me,” Kanu said before he was removed from the court. “Omotosho, where is the law? Any judgment declared in this court is a complete rubbish.”