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Judge Declares Nnamdi Kanu ‘International Terrorist’ In Landmark Ruling
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has described the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, as an “international terrorist” over his alleged threats to bomb the United States Embassy and attack a former British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing.
The judge made the pronouncement on Thursday while delivering judgment on count six of the charges before the court.
“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 the British High Commissioner to Nigeria at the time Catriona Laing, a ‘known woman of peace’,” he said.
Justice Omotosho held that Kanu’s call, in a broadcast, directing graduates of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry to manufacture Molotov cocktails, amounted to an act of terrorism.
Quoting one of Kanu’s broadcasts delivered on October 21, 2020, the judge said the IPOB leader urged his followers “to go to the bush” and attack any military or police convoy they saw, adding that he described security personnel as enemies who “also bleed.”
Justice Omotosho stated, “In a broadcast of 21st October 2020, the defendant stated, and I quote, ‘Radio Baifra is now in the hands of the enemy of our freedom. I don’t know how much they paid for it, but I know that Britain spent about 4.8 billion pounds a few days ago to suppress what is happening. That is what they have done. I told you a while back that Britain was now entitled to what is happening in the zoo, and you thought that it was a joke. They have now come with their clampdown, but they are not going to succeed. Radio Biafra belongs to us, but why is it not playing our programme right now?’
The defendant also stated, “I am telling you people to go to the bush. Wherever you see a military convoy, you attack them. Whenever you see a police convoy, attack them. They are human beings and they also bleed. Any person with a police uniform or any army uniform is your enemy.”
According to him, such statements, especially those targeting international protected persons such as ambassadors and high commissioners, fall under offences punishable by life imprisonment.
Justice Omotosho said, “The High Commissioner is an international protected person, being the representative of the British government in Nigeria, as well as other staff of High Commission and Embassy of the United States of America, leaving the defendant to continue his terrorist activities would have led to an international incident involving Nigeria and other foreign nations, who are good partners with Nigeria.
“The question to ask again is whether bombing or attacking embassies of High Commissions constitutes an action consistent with agitation for self-determination? Again, the answer is no. All these acts go to show that the criminal tendency of the defendant, as well as show concrete proof of his terrorist acts.”
Justice Omotosho held that the prosecution had proved the counts against Kanu and consequently convicted him.
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services since June 2021, when he was rearrested abroad and brought back to Nigeria to face charges bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony and incitement.
His trial has recorded multiple adjournments, while his lawyers continue to argue that his extraordinary rendition and long detention violate both domestic and international law.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
News
Your Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, says the second coming to office of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, after the elapsing of the state of emergency should have made him better.
Fayose’s remarks come as the Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara as of January 8, 2026.
Speaking in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television on Friday, Fayose said he was removed as governor and went to exile but became a better person upon his return.
Fayose said that President Bola Tinubu hates ingratitude just like any other person else does.
The former Ekiti governor also dismissed the claim that what is happening in Rivers state is politics taken too far.
According to him, the constitution provides rules of engagement for every politician, stressing that it is when one gets out of the rule that he begins to look for public sympathy.
“The coming back of Governor Fubara should have made him a better person .If you made a mistake the first time, the second time you are not supposed to go through that route.
“Politics is a power game. Nobody solves political game for you. With due respect, let me tell you. Fubara is the one enjoying the office of the governor of Rivers state. It’s not the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
“Some people are saying it’s about Tinubu’s election. No! Because Tinubu’s election will come first, don’t forget that. Both Wike and Fubara will all work for Tinubu. Two weeks after, there will be an election for Rivers state,” he said.
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