Federal High Court Sentences Nnamdi Kanu to Life Imprisonment for Terrorism

Abuja — Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court has sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment following his conviction on seven terrorism-related charges.

The verdict, delivered on Thursday in Kanu’s absence, comes over four years after his controversial re-arrest in Kenya and return to Nigeria. Kanu was charged with terrorism, incitement, issuing sit-at-home orders, and other offences connected to separatist activities in the South-East.

Justice Omotosho said evidence showed that Kanu’s broadcasts on Radio Biafra and directives to enforce sit-at-home orders constituted acts of terrorism that restricted citizens’ freedom of movement. The judge also noted that Kanu allegedly orchestrated attacks against police and military officers through the activities of IPOB’s armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

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“The sit-at-home order imposed by Kanu violated the constitutional rights of South-Easterners, and he lacked the authority to issue such directives,” the court ruled.

The prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, had requested the death penalty, citing the severity of Kanu’s actions. The defence appealed for mercy, but the court upheld a life sentence on all seven counts.

Kanu’s conviction follows a series of IPOB-related legal and political developments, including the recent terrorism conviction of Simon Ekpa in Finland. Supporters of Kanu have criticised the trial as unlawful, citing his extraordinary rendition from Kenya and alleging violations of due process.

The life sentence marks a significant victory for the Federal Government in its campaign against separatist agitation, though it may further heighten tensions in the South-East.

BREAKING: Federal High Court Sentences Nnamdi Kanu to Life Imprisonment for Terrorism