A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the sentence after finding him guilty on all the offences listed in the seven-count terrorism charge brought against him by the DSS.
The court described Kanu’s conduct during the trial as unruly and arrogant.
The judge stated that Kanu’s lawyers had been reduced to acting like consultants, saying they should simply relay the sentence to him.
He held that the convict had caused delays by repeatedly claiming he had not been given a fair hearing.
The judge said Kanu had been convicted and that although the court was inclined to be merciful, he had shown no remorse and had become arrogant.
He added that while he was not fully persuaded, he had to balance mercy with justice, citing the holy Bible and noting that the Lord Himself is merciful, and on that basis, he would show mercy to the convict.
He explained that although the death penalty is discouraged, Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on counts 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6; 20 years’ imprisonment on count 3; and 5 years on count 7. The sentences are to run concurrently.
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The judge further stated that, based on the terrorism charges and Kanu’s unruly behaviour, which he described as violent, he had no hesitation in concluding that the tendency toward violence had not left him.
He ruled that keeping Kanu in Kuje prison would be inappropriate, noting that he had used electronic devices to carry out his actions, and ordered that he should not have access to any mobile device.
He said Kanu required protective custody and directed that he be kept in any suitable custodial facility in any part of the country.
Counsel to the Federal Government, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, thanked the court for the judgment, adding that the trial would serve as a deterrent to others guilty of similar offences, stressing that no one is above Nigeria.
Kanu’s legal consultant, Maxwell Opara, who was dissatisfied with the judgment, said he would appeal, describing the ruling as an attack on the Igbo community.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
