Our Reporter | Abuja
The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment after finding him guilty on all seven terrorism-related charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho ruled that Kanu’s actions—including inciting violence, issuing threats, and making broadcasts deemed capable of causing widespread unrest—met the threshold for terrorism offences under Nigerian law.
Life Sentence Handed Down on Major Counts
Justice Omotosho imposed a life sentence on counts one, four, five, and six. The judge noted that although the offences carry a maximum penalty of death, the court opted for life imprisonment instead.
The court further sentenced Kanu to: 20 years on count two; five years on count seven. All sentences are to run concurrently.
Court Affirms Severity of Offences
The judgment followed the court’s earlier ruling convicting Kanu on all seven counts. The judge held that the evidence—particularly Kanu’s repeated inflammatory broadcasts and directives—showed clear intent to incite violence, destabilise the country, and intimidate the population.
Background: A Long and Controversial Legal Battle
Kanu’s prosecution has been one of the most divisive and closely watched cases in recent years. His agitation for an independent Biafra, combined with his broadcasts on Radio Biafra and the enforcement of sit-at-home orders across the South-East, has sparked fierce national debate.
The government has insisted that his actions amount to terrorism and pose a threat to national security, while many of his supporters maintain that he is being persecuted for political reasons.
Today’s judgment marks a major turning point in the long-running case.
More details to follow…