Separatist leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has been convicted on the third count of terrorism by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, for belonging the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Justice Omotosho proclaimed early this Thursday afternoon, November 20, 2025, declaring that membership of IPOB founded and led by Kanu is an act of terrorism.

Justice Omotosho made the conviction in the third of seven counts slammed on the IPOB Leader. He is still ruling on the four other charges, all of which also carry a maximum of death sentence. Justice Omotosho is expected to announce Nnamdi Kanu's sentence later.

Before announcing the conviction, Justice Omotosho accused Kanu of being unruly and disrespecting the court. He said that the rudeness of the IPOB Leader climaxed with his disruption of the court’s proceedings.

Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, following his controversial interception and return to Nigeria from Kenya in circumstances his lawyers describe as “extraordinary rendition”.

He is facing seven terrorism-related charges bordering on alleged incitement, running an unlawful group, and acts threatening national security—allegations he vehemently denies.

Justice Omotosho, on November 7, fixed Thursday to deliver judgment in the charges brought against Kanu.

Justice Omotosho announced the date while ruling on the matter after Kanu failed to open his defence, having exhausted the six days allocated to him by the court to present his defence.

Kanu is entitled to challenge Omotosho’s ruling at the appellate court.

•Convicted IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu