BREAKING: Nnamdi Kanu convicted of terrorism by Federal High Court in Abuja

The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, on terrorism charges.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling on Thursday afternoon, November 20, 2025, following a heated session in which Kanu protested the move to pass judgment, insisting that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him. He was subsequently removed from the courtroom by security personnel for what the judge described as unruly conduct.

Kanu’s conviction was confirmed on Count One of the seven-count terrorism charge filed by the Federal Government — a count that, like the others, carries a maximum penalty of death. Justice Omotosho is still addressing the remaining counts and is expected to pronounce sentencing later.

Before handing down the conviction, the judge accused Kanu of persistently disrupting proceedings and showing “gross disrespect” to the court.

The IPOB leader has been held in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021 after being forcibly returned from Kenya — a process his legal team has repeatedly condemned as “extraordinary rendition.”

The charges against him border on terrorism financing, incitement, membership and leadership of an unlawful organization, and actions deemed dangerous to national security — all of which Kanu strongly denies.

On November 7, Justice Omotosho fixed today as judgment day after Kanu refused to open his defence, despite being granted six days to do so.

Kanu, however, reserves the right to appeal the conviction at the Court of Appeal.