Justice Omotosho delivered the verdict on Thursday, declaring that Kanu showed no remorse throughout the trial. The judge was satisfied that Kanu had made numerous broadcasts intended to incite violence and killings as part of his campaign for the establishment of an independent state called Biafra in southeastern Nigeria.
Kanu was convicted on all seven counts brought against him by the prosecution. The charges included making broadcasts with the intention to intimidate the population, threaten the public with sit-at-home orders, encourage the killing of security officers, and incite attacks on police officers. He was also accused of encouraging the public to burn federal government facilities in Lagos, causing major economic losses, and importing a radio transmitter known as Tram 50L, which he concealed in a container in Anambra State.
The delivery of the judgment was marked by dramatic scenes in the courtroom as Kanu protested his conviction. When asked to comment on his matter, the IPOB leader questioned why he had been detained when he committed no crime and demanded bail.