The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment for terrorism. His legal case has been ongoing since his arrest in 2015.
Justice James Omotosho, who delivered the judgment, said Kanu will serve life imprisonment on counts one, four, five, and six.
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He also gave him 20 years in prison on count three and five years on count seven. All the sentences will run at the same time.
The judge ordered that Kanu must be kept in a special facility where he will be monitored and kept away from digital devices. The court also said Kanu’s transmitter should be handed over to the Federal Government.
Court Finds Him Guilty
Justice Omotosho said the government proved all seven charges against Kanu.
He ruled that:
- Kanu ordered the sit-at-home protests in the South-East.
- In broadcasts, he made threats of violence and death.
- He encouraged attacks on security agencies and destruction of properties.
The judge read out some of Kanu’s broadcast statements, where he told supporters to ambush security officers, seize their weapons, and burn down the Lagos airport.
Declared an ‘International Terrorist’
The judge said Kanu went beyond local threats.
He noted that Kanu:
- Threatened to bomb the British High Commission in Nigeria
- Threatened the then British High Commissioner, Catriona Laing
- Encouraged attacks on the United States Embassy
Because of this, the court described him as an international terrorist.
Court Rejects ‘Freedom Fighter’ Claim
Justice Omotosho said IPOB has caused violence similar to other terror groups like Boko Haram.
He stressed that: Nigeria is “indivisible” under the Constitution.
Anyone seeking self-determination must do so legally, through the National Assembly, not through violence.
He said Kanu’s actions killed innocent people and security officers and disrupted life in the South-East.
Courtroom Drama
Before sentencing, Kanu complained loudly that the court was proceeding without his final written address. The judge ordered him out of the courtroom and continued with the judgment.
Government Wanted Death Penalty
The government’s lawyer, Gboyegba Awomolo (SAN), asked the court to sentence Kanu to death, saying this would ease the pain of families of the 75 officers killed.
Kanu Will Appeal
After the judgment, Kanu’s legal consultant, Aloy Ejimakor, said they would appeal the sentence.
He argued that Kanu was punished for things he said, not things he did, and that the court’s decision was unfair.
Kanu’s legal battles have lasted almost 10 years and continue to generate national and international debate.