JUST IN: Court Convicts Nnamdi Kanu on Terrorism Charges

A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, on count one of the terrorism charges against him after ruling that he forfeited his right to defend himself. Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Thursday, holding that the prosecution’s evidence remained unchallenged following Kanu’s refusal to properly present a defence.

The ruling came shortly after a chaotic courtroom scene earlier in the day in which Kanu interrupted proceedings, protested the dismissal of his latest bail application, and repeatedly challenged the judge. Security operatives were ordered to remove him after he ignored warnings to compose himself.

Justice Omotosho noted that Kanu failed to open his defence within the six days allocated to him and that his actions amounted to forfeiting the opportunity to respond to the charges. The court continued with the judgment in his absence, declaring that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Kanu had filed motions challenging the validity of the charges and seeking to halt the judgment, arguing that the repealed terrorism law undermined the case. The Court of Appeal has not yet set a date to hear his fresh application.