By Correspondent in Abuja.
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday convicted Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on all seven counts of terrorism brought against him by the Federal Government.
In his judgment, Justice James Omotosho held that the prosecution’s evidence remained unchallenged, as Kanu failed to open his defence.
He dismissed the defence’s argument that the charges were invalid on the grounds that they were filed under the repealed Terrorism Prevention Act of 2013, noting that the defendant presented no evidence to counter the allegations.
According to the judge, the court was entitled to rely on the uncontroverted evidence of the prosecution.
The judge outlined four issues for determination, including whether Kanu was denied fair hearing, whether his alleged extraordinary rendition invalidated the case, whether the laws under which he was charged had been repealed, and whether the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Justice Omotosho stated that any pursuit of self-determination outside the confines of the law was illegal.
He further remarked that Kanu had employed terrorism as a tool, causing harm to the very people he claimed to represent, including those of the Christian faith.
“He is a terrorist and must be treated as such. The prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. Consequently, the defendant is hereby convicted on all seven counts as charged,” the judge declared.
The court is yet to pronounce sentencing.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
Details later…
