Nnamdi Kanu Labelled ‘International Terrorist’

• Justice James Omotosho has described IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu as an “international terrorist” over threats against the US Embassy and the former British High Commissioner, ruling that his broadcasts and incitements constitute terrorism.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has labeled Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as an “international terrorist” for allegedly threatening to bomb the United States Embassy and attack former British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing.

The pronouncement was made on Thursday while delivering judgment on count six of the charges against Kanu.

“The defendant is not only a confirmed local terrorist, but I hold, without hesitation, that he is an international terrorist, flowing from his threat to attack the British High Commission and the American Embassy, as well as his incitement against the British High Commissioner to Nigeria at the time, Catriona Laing, a ‘known woman of peace,’” Justice Omotosho stated.

The judge noted that Kanu’s broadcasts, which included calls for graduates of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry to manufacture Molotov cocktails, constituted acts of terrorism.

Quoting Kanu’s broadcast from October 21, 2020, Justice Omotosho said the IPOB leader urged his followers “to go to the bush” and attack any military or police convoy, describing security personnel as enemies who “also bleed.”

DON’T MISS: List of Terrorism Offences Nnamdi Kanu Was Convicted for (Full List)

In part, the judge quoted Kanu:

“Radio Biafra is now in the hands of the enemy of our freedom… I am telling you people to go to the bush. Wherever you see a military convoy, attack them. Whenever you see a police convoy, attack them. They are human beings and they also bleed. Any person with a police uniform or any army uniform is your enemy.”

Justice Omotosho held that such statements, especially those targeting international protected persons such as ambassadors and high commissioners, are punishable by life imprisonment.

“The High Commissioner is an international protected person… leaving the defendant to continue his terrorist activities would have led to an international incident involving Nigeria and other foreign nations,” the judge added.

Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services since June 2021, after being rearrested abroad and brought back to Nigeria to face charges including terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement. His trial experienced multiple adjournments, with his lawyers arguing that his extraordinary rendition and long detention violate domestic and international law.