The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Count One of the terrorism charges brought against him by the Federal Government.

Delivering the judgment on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the prosecution successfully proved that Kanu used a series of online broadcasts to incite violence, encourage attacks on security personnel, and promote killings in furtherance of his separatist campaign for an independent Biafra.

The judge described the evidence presented by the Federal Government as “credible, unchallenged, and uncontroverted,” noting that the defence failed to disprove the allegations or counter the prosecution’s claims that Kanu’s messages directly contributed to violent unrest in parts of the South-East.

According to the court, Kanu’s broadcasts went beyond political expression and amounted to deliberate calls to action that threatened national security and public safety. Justice Omotosho emphasised that freedom of speech does not extend to speech that incites violence or encourages acts of terrorism.

The conviction represents a major development in the highly contentious terrorism trial that has gripped the nation since Kanu’s arrest and repatriation to Nigeria in 2021.

His detention has triggered repeated protests and sit-at-home orders across the South-East, often resulting in clashes, disruption of economic activities, and heightened regional tension.

Although Kanu was convicted on Count One, the court is set to rule on the remaining charges in the coming sessions. His legal team is expected to file an appeal.

Security agencies have increased patrols in Abuja and parts of the South-East in anticipation of public reaction to the judgment.