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A Nigerian court has convicted separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu on terror-related charges a decade after his initial detainment.

Judicial authorities declared that Kanu had made a series of transmissions promoting hostilities and fatal acts as part of his movement for a separate state in Nigeria's south-eastern region, known as Biafra.

He was convicted on each of the seven charges he confronted—including terrorism, treason, and participation with a banned separatist movement.

Rise of a Separatist Figure

Previously a little-known personality, Kanu's following escalated in 2009 when he launched Radio Biafra, a station that advocated an independent state for the Igbo people, transmitted to Nigeria from London.

Though he grew up in south-eastern Nigeria, where he attended the University of Nsukka, Kanu moved to the UK before completing his studies and acquired British citizenship.

In 2014, he established the Indigenous People Of Biafra (Ipob), a movement demanding independence.

Ban and Militant Activities

Ipob was banned as a terrorist organisation in 2017. The group's militant faction—the Eastern Security Network—has been accused of murders and additional incidents of violence in the past few years.

Issuing his judgement, Judge James Omotosho said: "Mr Kanu was aware of what he was doing, he was determined to executing these threats without regard to his own people."

"From the incontrovertible proof, it is evident that the defendant performed preparatory actions of terrorism."

"He was given the obligation to explain himself but failed to do so."

Response and Legal Proceedings

Kanu is a influential leader in his movement's heartland in south-eastern Nigeria, but reaction to the verdict there has thus far been subdued.

During proceedings prior to the ruling, Kanu argued that proceedings could not continue because he had not yet submitted his final written address, alleging the presiding officer of bias and misinterpreting the law.

This ruling was delivered after Kanu had been escorted out from the court for unruly behaviour.

Detainment Background

Kanu was first arrested in October 2015 but he violated bail conditions in 2017 and left the country after a military raid on his home. The court later cancelled his bail in March 2019 and he was detained again in 2021 in Kenya.

Historical Background

Demands for Biafra's sovereignty trace back many years.

In 1967 Igbo leaders proclaimed a Biafran state, but after a brutal civil war, which led to the deaths of up to a million people, the secessionist rebellion was defeated.