Nigerian Separatist Leader Convicted of Terrorism Charges

Sat Nov 22 2025 02:10:12 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the pro-Biafra movement, has been convicted on multiple terrorism and treason charges in Nigeria, as his fight for an independent state faces a critical backlash.

A Nigerian court has found separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu guilty of terrorism, among other charges, after a lengthy legal battle. Kanu allegedly incited violence through broadcasts promoting Biafran independence. Now facing potential death penalty, the court's ruling has sparked varied reactions, with Kanu's previous claims of bias and unfair trial processes underscoring the controversial nature of his case.

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 that Kanu had made broadcasts inciting violence and killings for a separate state in southeastern Nigeria, known as Biafra.

Kanu has been convicted on all seven charges he faced, including treason and involvement with an outlawed movement. The court is set to deliver a sentence later, with speculation that he could face the death penalty.

Kanu has long denied the charges, arguing that he was wrongfully tried. He first rose to prominence in 2009 with Radio Biafra, advocating for Igbo independence. His movement, the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), was banned as a terrorist organization in 2017.

Judge James Omotosho noted, Mr. Kanu knew what he was doing... and was bent on carrying out these threats without consideration to his own people. Despite his legal troubles, Kanu remains popular among supporters seeking Biafran autonomy, reflecting ongoing sentiments of marginalization among the Igbo people in Nigeria.