Key Findings & Court Charges Against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu
Arrest Details
Kanu was arrested in Hotel Room 303, reportedly found in the company of a woman identified as Miriam, according to the judge.
He allegedly checked into the hotel using a false identity, a point emphasized during judgment.
ESN Operations
Prosecution Witness 2 and the judge stated that Kanu admitted to founding and funding the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Sit-at-Home Directives
PW4 and the court confirmed that Kanu issued the May 30, 2021 sit-at-home order, threatening consequences for defaulters.
Gruesome Instructions
According to PW4’s testimony, Kanu ordered that Ikonso, a slain ESN commander, be buried with 2,000 human heads, and followers allegedly procured 30 before the plot was foiled.
Cannibalism Allegation
PW4 testified that some IPOB/ESN members arrested by security agencies were caught eating human flesh, claiming it was for spiritual protection.
Illegal Broadcasting
A witness confirmed that Radio Biafra operated without a broadcast license anywhere in the world.
Jurisdiction
Justice Omotosho ruled that Nigeria had full jurisdiction since Kanu’s broadcasts were received in the country.
Deaths & Destruction Linked to Incitement
The judge held Kanu responsible for 128 murdered police officers and 167 police stations allegedly burnt due to his directives.
More than 30 Nigerian Army soldiers were said to have died as a result of his calls to action.
Inciting Statements
Kanu’s statement — “people will die, and the world will stand still” — was explicitly classified as a terrorist threat by Justice Omotosho.
Trial Conduct
The court said Kanu delayed proceedings, repeatedly claiming denial of fair hearing.
Medical assessments found him fit to stand trial.
The judge ruled that the manner of his return from Kenya does not invalidate the trial.
The court noted that Kanu has no constitutional authority to order Nigerians to sit at home.
Justice Omotosho stated that the court pleaded with him to present his defence, but he refused.
His behaviour in court was described as unruly, leading to heightened security measures.
Personal Outburst
At one point during trial, Kanu reportedly told the prosecuting counsel:
“God will punish you now and forever.”
Verdict & Sentencing
Counts 1–5: Life imprisonment
Count 6: 20 years (no option of fine)
Count 7: 5 years (no option of fine)
Sentences to run concurrently
Kanu will be held in protected custody, with no access to digital devices except under strict supervision by the National Security Adviser.
Justice Omotosho formally classified Kanu as a terrorist, stating that judicial precedent allows a verdict to be delivered even when a defendant is absent.