Key Points
- Court finds Kanu guilty on counts four and five. Judges said his speech helped cause violence in Lagos.
- Lawyers say they will appeal the verdict quickly. They claim witnesses and evidence need further review.
- Human rights groups call for careful review and answers. Public reaction is mixed and many demand calm.
Nnamdi Kanu (Nnamdi Kanu) was found guilty on counts four and five. Judges said his words helped cause violence during EndSARS protests.
The ruling says security personnel were killed and state property was destroyed. Read more in the court verdict in Lagos for full details.
What the court said
The judge reviewed witness statements and video evidence from the protests. He said the accused urged people to attack security posts and vehicles.
Lawyers for Kanu said they will appeal the verdict to a higher court. They argue the evidence was weak and some witnesses were unreliable.
Reaction and next steps
Supporters gathered outside courts to hear the ruling and to show concern. Some held signs and they called for calm and legal action.
Human rights groups urged careful review and full public answers about events. See our coverage of the EndSARS protests for background and timelines.
The case links speech with public harm in a major legal test. Legal experts say appeals could take months to reach a final ruling.
What this means for Nigeria
The verdict may shape how protest speech is handled by courts. It may also affect how leaders and activists choose public words.
Officials say they will use legal steps to protect public order and assets. Courts will set a date for sentencing after legal timelines are met.
The original EndSARS protests began in 2020 across major cities in Nigeria. They started as calls to end police brutality and to demand reforms.
Many news outlets reported destruction and clashes in several urban centres. Officials investigated damage to public buildings and seized items used in attacks.
Until then lawyers will prepare appeals and the public will watch closely. We will update this story as courts release more official papers.
Readers can follow related reports and legal updates on our site.
