Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has described the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, as an “international terrorist” over alleged threats to bomb the United States Embassy and attack former British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing.
The judge made the pronouncement on Thursday while delivering judgment on count six of the terrorism charges filed against Kanu by the Federal Government.
According to Justice Omotosho, Kanu’s public statements went beyond agitation for self-determination, extending into threats against international protected persons. He noted that the IPOB leader’s rhetoric targeted strategic foreign missions and diplomats regarded under international law as protected persons.
Quoting from Kanu’s broadcast of 21 October 2020, the court highlighted his alleged directive to graduates of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry to manufacture Molotov cocktails, describing the call as an explicit encouragement of acts of terrorism.
Justice Omotosho further cited a separate broadcast in which Kanu reportedly instructed his followers “to go to the bush” and attack any military or police convoy they encounter, declaring security operatives as
enemies who “also bleed”.“These statements, taken together, constitute clear acts of terrorism,” the judge ruled. He stressed that threats against embassies and high commissions “would have caused a major international incident” had they been carried out.
He added: “The defendant is not only a confirmed local terrorist, but I hold, without hesitation, that he is an international terrorist, flowing from his threat to attack the British High Commission and the American Embassy, as well as his incitement against Catriona Laing, a known woman of peace.”
Justice Omotosho maintained that the prosecution had successfully proved the charges against Kanu, particularly those involving threats to international protected persons—offences punishable by life imprisonment.
Kanu has been held in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, following his rearrest abroad and subsequent return to Nigeria. His trial has witnessed multiple adjournments, while his legal team continues to argue that his extraordinary rendition and prolonged detention breach both domestic and international legal standards.
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