By Erewunmi Peace

Reuben Abati, journalist and co-host of Arise TV’s Morning Show, says it will be difficult for Nnamdi Kanu’s terrorism conviction to be vacated despite ongoing arguments from his legal team.

Speaking during a recent broadcast, Abati explained that the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) was tried and convicted under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, a law he described as “very clear” in defining offences and outlining penalties.

According to him, the court’s final ruling—which found Kanu guilty on multiple terrorism-related charges—was delivered after the defence failed to present its case, a situation that allowed the prosecution’s evidence to stand uncontested. He added that any attempt to overturn the verdict would now face significant legal hurdles.

Abati also noted that although Kanu’s lawyers continue to challenge the basis of the charges, the conviction remains valid until a higher court rules otherwise. He stressed that the ongoing appeals and legal objections do not automatically nullify the judgment already issued by the trial court.

Nnamdi Kanu was recently sentenced after a prolonged trial that lasted several years. His legal team has filed fresh applications seeking to halt the judgment, arguing that some provisions of the law used in the case had been repealed. The government, however, maintains that the conviction stands.

Abati urged Nigerians to follow the case carefully, saying the appeal process would determine whether Kanu’s conviction could be reviewed, reduced, or upheld.