After a decade-long trial that has fueled separatist tensions in Nigeria’s southeast, a Federal High Court in Abuja today sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment on terrorism charges.
Justice James Omotosho convicted Kanu on all seven counts, including inciting violence through Radio Biafra broadcasts, leading a banned organization, and directing attacks that resulted in deaths of security personnel and destruction of property.
The judge described Kanu as an “international terrorist” whose actions endangered national security, citing uncontroverted evidence of threats like “people will die” and “everything called Nigeria will perish.”
Prosecutors, led by Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, had pushed for the death penalty, arguing Kanu “weaponised social media to instigate violence” and showed no remorse.
However, Justice Omotosho opted for life imprisonment on major counts “out of mercy,” imposing concurrent terms of 20 years on one count and five years on another, with no fine option. Kanu was ordered held in protective custody without access to communication devices.
The courtroom erupted in chaos earlier when Kanu, visibly agitated, was escorted out after protesting the proceedings. He had refused to present a defense, insisting the charges were invalid under repealed laws.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore condemned the outcome as an “execution of premeditated political decision,” warning: “The trial of Nnamdi Kanu has ceased to be about justice; it is now a test of conscience for the Nigerian state and its citizens alike.”
Kanu’s supporters view him as a freedom fighter for Igbo self-determination, while the government labels IPOB a terrorist group responsible for regional unrest.