The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment following his conviction on all seven terrorism charges filed by the Federal Government.
Justice James Omotosho, delivering the judgment, said the prosecution had proven beyond reasonable doubt that Kanu repeatedly broadcast incendiary messages designed to incite attacks, killings, and unrest in furtherance of his separatist agenda. The court described the evidence as “uncontroverted and compelling,” noting that Kanu failed to challenge or refute any of the broadcasts attributed to him.
The judge criticised Kanu’s courtroom behaviour, describing him as unrepentant and arrogant, and ruled that the proceedings could continue in his absence after he refused to recognise the court’s authority. Justice Omotosho emphasised that Kanu’s life sentence would be served under strict conditions, including protective custody and restricted access to electronic devices, which will only be permitted under supervision by the Department of State Services (DSS). The court also noted that Kuje Correctional Centre might not be suitable for his detention.
Prior to sentencing, the Federal Government urged the court to impose the maximum penalties, highlighting that Kanu’s actions had led to the deaths of security operatives, destruction of property, and general destabilisation in the South-East. Lead counsel Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, said the offences under counts 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 carried the death sentence, while counts 3 and 7 carry 20 years and five years, respectively. He also requested that all of Kanu’s seized broadcasting equipment be forfeited and that the convict be barred from internet access.
The ruling concludes a decade-long legal saga that has seen multiple appeals, adjournments, and interventions from human rights activists, political figures, and IPOB supporters. The court stressed that the sentence reflects the severity of the crimes while maintaining judicial fairness.
Thursday’s decision marks a key moment in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against separatist violence and sets a precedent for handling cases of organised terrorism in the country.
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