Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment after convicting him on seven terrorism-related charges. The verdict followed hours of judgment during which the court found Kanu guilty of directing and inciting acts of violence linked to IPOB’s separatist campaign.
During the proceedings, Justice Omotosho stated, “I have found the defendant guilty on all counts of terrorism. The nature and consequences of his conduct demand the full weight of the law.” The judge ruled that Kanu would serve life imprisonment on counts one, two, four, five, and six — all offences that ordinarily carry the death penalty. He further held that sentences on counts three and seven would run concurrently.
The court determined that Kanu’s repeated calls for ‘sit-at-home’ orders in the South-East, as well as threats and incitements issued through broadcasts and social media, contributed to lethal attacks on both civilians and members of Nigeria’s security forces. “His motives were unmistakable, as he advocated for violence. These threats were nothing short of acts of terrorism,” Justice Omotosho remarked in his verdict.
In a show of emotion, Kanu—who had been detained following his controversial extradition from Kenya in 2021—reacted strongly during the proceedings and was removed from the courtroom for conduct the judge described as “unruly.” Kanu’s legal team repeatedly argued his removal from Kenya compromised his right to a fair trial, a claim dismissed by the court.
Notably, after the judgment, Obi Aguocha, federal lawmaker for Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South, pleaded for mercy, calling on the court to exercise leniency. Justice Omotosho responded, “I will consider all these and rise now. We will reconvene for sentencing,” but ultimately determined that the gravity of the offences demanded a strong judicial response.
Kanu, who first came to the attention of authorities after his 2015 arrest, skipped bail and later continued his activism from abroad, particularly through his Radio Biafra broadcasts. Prosecutors maintained these broadcasts fomented unrest and attacks, aggravating long-standing tensions over Biafra separatism—a movement that previously led to the Nigerian civil war, costing over one million lives.
As the news broke across Nigeria, observers warned that the conviction could fuel further unrest in the Southeast. The court’s decision marks a pivotal moment in the complex saga of IPOB and its campaign for a sovereign Biafra.
