Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court has sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, to life imprisonment after finding him guilty on all seven terrorism charges brought by the Federal Government. The ruling comes four years after Kanu was seized in Kenya under disputed circumstances and returned to Nigeria, a moment that triggered global criticism and revived debate over the country’s handling of separatist movements.
The judgment was delivered without Kanu present. Moments before the ruling, he insisted that the court would not proceed with the terrorism case, prompting a heated exchange that ended with security officers removing him from the courtroom for what the judge described as disorderly conduct.
Justice Omotosho held that Kanu’s broadcasts on Radio Biafra amounted to acts of terrorism, stating that his rhetoric promoted violence and encouraged attacks on security personnel. He said the sit-at-home orders issued across the South East violated citizens’ freedom of movement and represented an unlawful use of authority. The court found that Kanu engaged in “preparatory terrorism” by directing followers to target police and military officers.
Read also:
- Rep Member begs Judge to temper justice with mercy as Nnamdi Kanu faces sentencing
- Ohanaeze Congratulates Nwifuru on Appeal Court Victory
- ‘Attacked train’s insiders worked with terrorists’
The judge ruled that the evidence placed before the court clearly showed that Kanu carried out actions that threatened the stability and security of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Kanu pleaded not guilty throughout the proceedings but was convicted on all counts.
Following the sentencing, the court ordered that he be held in a maximum-security facility, noting that the Kuje Correctional Centre was not suitable given what it described as the violent nature of the offences. The court further directed that he be denied access to any communication devices to prevent him from issuing further instructions capable of inciting unrest.
The verdict has already stirred intense reactions nationwide, with supporters, critics, and security analysts bracing for the political fallout that is likely to follow.
