After a decade-long legal battle, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court has handed down a life sentence to Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The verdict was delivered on Thursday, marking a major turning point in one of Nigeria’s most closely watched terrorism cases.
Kanu was convicted on all seven charges filed against him by the Federal Government, including terrorism-related offences linked to several broadcasts made on Radio Biafra. The court held that his messages promoted violence, incited attacks on security personnel, and contributed to widespread insecurity in the South-East.
The judgment was issued in Kanu’s absence after he reportedly insisted the court lacked authority to rule on the matter. Heated exchanges ensued during proceedings, prompting Justice Omotosho to order security operatives to remove him from the courtroom for what was described as “unruly conduct.”
According to the judge, Kanu’s repeated sit-at-home directives in the South-East amounted to acts of terrorism, as they restricted citizens’ freedom of movement and fueled unrest in the region. Justice Omotosho further stated that Kanu’s rhetoric showed clear intent to instigate violence and that he failed to demonstrate remorse throughout the trial.
“He remained arrogant and dismissive of the consequences of his actions,” the judge said, adding that Kanu’s behaviour reflected a disregard for the impact of his directives on the same people he claimed to represent.
While noting that the death penalty remains controversial globally, Justice Omotosho opted for life imprisonment “in the interest of justice,” applying the sentence to counts one, four, five, and six.
Kanu, who was arrested in Kenya under disputed circumstances and repatriated to Nigeria four years ago, had pleaded not guilty to all charges. Nonetheless, the court held that the prosecution had established its case beyond reasonable doubt.
