Court Convicts Nigerian Separatist Leader Nnamdi Kanu of Terrorism

Fri Nov 21 2025 19:39:00 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a major ruling, Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Biafran separatist movement, has been convicted of terrorism and other serious charges by a Nigerian court, provoking discussions on the considerations of national unity and separatist movements.

A Nigerian court has found Nnamdi Kanu guilty of terrorism after he was accused of inciting violence in pursuit of a separate Biafran state. Kanu, who led the Indigenous People Of Biafra movement, rejected the charges, claiming bias by the judiciary. The prosecution is seeking the death penalty, though actual executions in Nigeria are infrequent. The ruling has led to increased security in the capital amid fears of unrest from Kanu's supporters.

A court in Nigeria has found separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu guilty of terrorism following a decade-long legal case full of drama.

The court stated it was satisfied that Kanu had made a series of broadcasts inciting violence and killings in his campaign for a separate state in south-east Nigeria, known as Biafra.

Kanu has been convicted on all seven charges he faced, including terrorism, treason, and involvement with an outlawed movement. The judge is expected to deliver a sentencing later, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty.

Kanu always denied the charges and even challenged the court's jurisdiction over him. He notably dismissed his lawyers at the trial's outset, representing himself in a limited capacity.

In response to his significant political influence, security measures around the court in Abuja were intensified in anticipation of potential protests by his supporters.

Initially a lesser-known figure, Kanu gained notoriety in 2009 after establishing Radio Biafra, promoting the call for Igbo independence while broadcasting from London. He later founded the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which was designated a terrorist group in 2017 due to escalating violent actions attributed to its armed wing.

The judge, James Omotosho, remarked during the verdict that Kanu demonstrated intent to carry out acts of terrorism and failed to provide a defense, despite having the responsibility to do so.

Although sentiments in support of Kanu remain prevalent in parts of south-eastern Nigeria, reactions to the verdict have been measured. His complex legal journey began with his first arrest in 2015, followed by various legal challenges and a controversial return to Nigeria after alleged illegal detention abroad.

The history of Nigerian Biafra separatism, rooted in a brutal civil war, continues to evoke strong emotions among the Igbo populace, many of whom feel marginalized. Nevertheless, the level of support for outright independence varies widely across the community.