Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been convicted on terrorism charges filed against him by the Nigerian government. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday by a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho.

Kanu, who had previously resisted the court proceedings and refused to participate in his defence, was found guilty on all counts. According to Justice Omotosho, the court had no choice but to rely on the evidence presented by the prosecution after Kanu declined to engage in his defence.

“As an Apostle of Jesus Christ, I begged Kanu passionately to enter his defence, but he obstinately refused,” Justice Omotosho said.

Key Convictions

• Terrorism through broadcasts: Kanu was found guilty of inciting violence through broadcasts linked to IPOB activities.
• International terrorism: The court ruled that Kanu qualifies as an international terrorist.
• Sit-at-home orders in South-East Nigeria: He was convicted for enforcing sit-at-home directives that disrupted businesses and daily life across the South-East states.
• Murder of Ahmed Gulak: The court linked Kanu and members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) to the murder of the former politician in Imo State.
• Leadership of a proscribed organisation: Kanu was also convicted for leading IPOB, which is officially listed as a terrorist organisation in Nigeria.

Justice Omotosho emphasized that Kanu’s refusal to enter a defence left the court with no alternative but to act on the incontrovertible evidence presented by the prosecution.

The court’s ruling marks a major development in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against terrorism and separatist agitation in the South-East.

More updates to follow…

A high-powered Nigerian government delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu met with U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday amid escalating allegations of Christian persecution and genocide in Nigeria.

The visit comes after former U.S. President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and ordered an investigation into claims that Christians are being targeted. The move followed comments by Nigeria’s Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, who recently backed a two-state solution to the Israel–Gaza conflict, triggering intensified scrutiny from U.S. political and religious groups.

Trump tasked several lawmakers, including Congressman Riley Moore, to lead the inquiry. Despite repeated attempts by the Nigerian government to counter what it describes as a false narrative, U.S. officials have continued to act on growing claims that Christian communities face systemic persecution.

Tensions escalated further on Tuesday when American rapper Nicki Minaj was invited to the United Nations to testify against Nigeria in a session organised with the backing of the U.S. Mission to the UN. Nigerian officials were barred from attending the hearing, prompting a strong protest.

Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, Syndoph Endoni, condemned the move, likening it to “shaving our head in our absence.”

Ribadu Meets U.S. Congressmen

On Wednesday, Ribadu and senior government officials met Congressman Moore in Washington, D.C., to present Nigeria’s position and address concerns surrounding insecurity and religious violence.

The delegation included Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Intelligence Lt. Gen. E.A.P. Undiendeye, among other top security officials.

Moore confirmed the meeting on social media, describing the engagement as “open and constructive.” He said discussions focused on terrorism, security cooperation, and the protection of vulnerable communities across Nigeria.

“Today, I had a frank, honest, and productive discussion with senior members of the Nigerian government regarding the horrific violence and persecution Christians face and the ongoing threat terrorism poses across Nigeria,” Moore said.

He added that he had insisted the U.S. expects “tangible steps to ensure that Christians are not subject to violence, persecution, displacement, and death simply for believing in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Moore said the United States is willing to deepen collaboration with Nigeria to combat Boko Haram, ISWAP, and violent extremist groups, especially in the Northeast and Middle Belt.

He issued a strong warning, emphasising that both Congress and Trump are aligned on holding Nigeria accountable:

“President Trump and Congress are united and serious in our resolve to end the violence against Christians and disrupt and destroy terrorist groups within Nigeria.”

As of Wednesday night, the Nigerian delegation had not released any public statement regarding the engagement.

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Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday ordered security operatives to forcibly remove detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, from the courtroom after the proceedings were repeatedly disrupted.

The dramatic scene unfolded moments after Kanu insisted that the court could not proceed with delivering judgment in the terrorism charges filed against him by the Federal Government.

Kanu, who raised his voice several times, demanded that the judge show him the section of the law that barred him from submitting a final written address. His outbursts halted the proceedings, prompting Justice Omotosho to stand down the matter while security agents escorted him out.

Before the disruption, Justice Omotosho had dismissed fresh applications filed by Kanu despite the case already being scheduled for judgment. According to the judge, the motions merely rehashed arguments previously raised and resolved in earlier rulings.

The court also rejected Kanu’s request to refer the matter to the Court of Appeal, citing Section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which prohibits the stay of proceedings in criminal trials.

Additionally, Kanu’s bid for bail was turned down. Justice Omotosho, however, noted that some of the issues raised by the IPOB leader would be addressed during the final judgment.

The court has now commenced reading the judgment in the high-profile case.

The Federal High Court in Abuja will Today Thursday, November 20, deliver judgment in the terrorism case against Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), marking a decisive moment in a long-running legal battle that has sharply divided opinion across Nigeria.

Justice James Omotosho fixed the date after ruling that Kanu had exhausted the six days allocated to him to open his defence. The judge noted that despite being given ample opportunity, Kanu declined to present a conventional defence to the seven-count terrorism charge filed by the Federal Government.

The charges against Kanu relate largely to his broadcasts and activities as IPOB leader, which authorities say posed a threat to national security. Prosecutors insist his statements incited violence and undermined the sovereignty of Nigeria.

The case reached a turning point on June 19, 2025, when the prosecution closed its case after calling witnesses and tendering documentary evidence. Kanu subsequently filed a no-case submission, arguing that the government had failed to establish any offence against him. The court, however, dismissed the submission and ordered him to open his defence.

Rather than defend himself on the merits, Kanu has focused on contesting the legality and jurisdiction of the trial. He maintains that he cannot be tried under what he describes as an “invalid” or “repealed” terrorism law, insisting that the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act relied upon by prosecutors is no longer operational.

He has also asked the court to expunge his earlier “not guilty” plea, claiming it was entered under conditions that violated his rights. In recent filings, Kanu alleged a broader conspiracy involving both local and foreign actors who, he claims, are determined to secure his conviction.

In a last-minute move, the IPOB leader filed a motion at the Court of Appeal seeking to stop the High Court from delivering its judgment, on the grounds that his appeal against the dismissal of his no-case submission is still pending. Justice Omotosho, however, dismissed concerns about fairness and insisted that Kanu had been granted sufficient time but chose not to utilise it.

At the last adjourned sitting, the judge also waived the requirement for final written addresses, stating that the court would rely solely on arguments and materials already in the record.

Meanwhile A coalition of 44 serving members of the House of Representatives has written to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to exercise his constitutional authority to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, and initiate a broad political dialogue to address the security and socio-political challenges in the South-east.

The lawmakers, drawn from various political parties and representing constituencies across both the North and South, issued a two-page letter and resolution under the platform of “Concerned Federal Lawmakers.”

As the nation watches closely, Today’s decision will determine whether the IPOB leader regains his freedom or faces a fresh prison sentence that could keep him behind bars for years to come.

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President Bola Tinubu has postponed his scheduled trips to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, due to the recent surge in insecurity, including the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the attack on worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State.

According to a statement released on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President shelved the foreign trips to receive detailed security briefings from relevant agencies and top officials.

Tinubu, who was expected to depart Abuja for the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg before proceeding to Angola for the 7th AU-EU Summit, opted to remain in the country following two major security incidents that sparked nationwide concern.

Tinubu Orders Deployment of More Security Personnel to Kwara

In response to a request from the Kwara State Government, President Tinubu has directed the urgent deployment of additional security operatives to Eruku and the entire Ekiti Local Government Area after gunmen attacked worshippers at the Christ Apostolic Church on Monday.

He further mandated security agencies to track down the assailants and ensure the safety of residents in the troubled communities.

Awaiting Briefings on Kebbi Schoolgirls’ Abduction

The President is also awaiting reports from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who has been dispatched to Kebbi State on a sympathy visit following the abduction of 25 schoolgirls from the Maga community in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area.

Additionally, Tinubu awaits comprehensive updates from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) on both the Kebbi and Kwara incidents.

Security Agencies Directed to Intensify Rescue Efforts

Onanuga disclosed that the President reiterated his orders to security agencies to intensify operations and “do everything possible” to rescue the abducted schoolgirls and ensure their safe return.

“Disturbed by the security breaches in Kebbi State and Monday’s attack by bandits against worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, President Tinubu decided to suspend his departure,” the statement read.

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