The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced the self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment for terrorism, marking a major milestone in the legal battle that began following his arrest in 2015. Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment after years of intense litigation and multiple high-profile court appearances.
According to the ruling, Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on counts one, four, five, and six, instead of the death sentence sought by the prosecution. He also received 20 years imprisonment on Count Three and five years imprisonment on Count Seven, all without the option of a fine. Justice Omotosho directed that the sentences run concurrently.
“I hereby sentence the convict to life imprisonment for counts one, four, five, and six, instead of death sentence,” the judge declared. “With respect to Count Three, he is hereby sentenced to 20 years imprisonment without no option of fine. For Count Seven, he is sentenced to five years imprisonment without no option of fine. To extend the mercy, I hereby order that the sentence shall run concurrently.”
The court further ordered that Kanu be kept in a facility deemed suitable for his custody, with strict restrictions preventing him from accessing digital devices unless monitored by the Office of the National Security Adviser. The judge also ruled that the IPOB leader’s transmitter be handed over to the Federal Government.
Guilty Verdict
In the earlier phase of the judgment, the court found Kanu guilty of terrorism against the Federal Government. Justice Omotosho said the prosecution proved all seven counts beyond a reasonable doubt. He noted that Kanu failed to respond to broadcast-related accusations and deliberately refused to enter a defence.
The evidence presented showed that Kanu ordered the sit-at-home directives in the South-East and made broadcasts threatening mass casualties and national disruption. “From the uncontroverted evidence of the prosecution, it is clear that the defendant carried out a preparatory act of terrorism. He had the duty to explain himself, but failed to do so,” the judge said, while also convicting him on counts two, three, and four.
During the delivery of judgment, Justice Omotosho read transcripts of Kanu’s broadcasts. One excerpt stated: “While responding to a caller, the defendant urged his callers to ambush the security forces during the protests and cut them off.” He continued with Kanu’s instructions: “‘Go to the bush. You need to cut them off from the back, ambush them, take their guns from them and kill them.’”
The judge highlighted more quotes: “‘They are animals and not human beings. They may be wearing uniforms like police or soldier, but they are animals. Disarm them and kill them.’” Kanu was also quoted as saying: “‘If you allow them to escape, your life is over, and I want, I want Lagos Airport to be on flame… breach the perimeter fence and burned down the Lagos airport… Set Muritala Muhammed Airport on fire. Set it ablaze right now… Fulani janjaweed; they do not reason.’”
Declared an ‘International Terrorist’
Justice Omotosho concluded that Kanu belonged to IPOB and its affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), both of which had been designated terrorist organisations. He said Kanu’s broadcasts incited violence that led to the killing of security personnel and destruction of government property across the country.
Citing evidence relating to threats against foreign missions, the judge classified Kanu as an international terrorist. He referenced Kanu’s alleged intention to bomb the British High Commission and assassinate the former British High Commissioner, Catriona Laing, as well as his directive that the American embassy be brought down.
“This is the purpose of Section 3 of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013,” the judge explained. He reiterated that ambassadors and embassies are internationally protected entities and that Kanu’s threats, if unchecked, could have triggered severe diplomatic crises. “All these acts go to show the criminal tendency of the defendant… Consequently, he is hereby convicted of Count Six of the charge.”
‘Freedom-Fighter’ Claim Rejected
Justice Omotosho compared IPOB’s activities to those of Boko Haram and Lakurawa, stating that the group had inflicted terror on Nigerians, especially in the South-East. He stressed that Nigeria is constitutionally indivisible and that secession cannot be achieved outside the process of constitutional amendment.
He stated that Kanu used terrorism as a tool to push secession and harmed the very people he claimed to represent. “This terror group… are denying innocent people the enjoyment of their fundamental rights,” the judge said, adding that IPOB’s broadcasts and activities had severely disrupted socio-economic life in the region.
He also noted Kanu’s alleged arrogance during trial, recalling that the defendant once declared that no court could convict him.
Courtroom Drama
Earlier in the day, the court experienced a tense moment when Kanu insisted that the proceedings could not continue because he had not filed his final written address. He shouted, “You don’t know the law. Show me where you have the right to waive my right to a final address…” Justice Omotosho ordered his removal from the courtroom and proceeded to deliver the judgment in his absence.
Prosecution Sought Death Penalty
Before sentencing, the Federal Government’s lead counsel, Gboyegba Awomolo (SAN), asked the court to impose the death penalty, arguing that the families of 75 slain officers deserved justice. He described Kanu as unremorseful and dismissive of the criminal justice process.
However, a representative of Kanu in the National Assembly, Obinna Aguocha, pleaded for leniency.
Kanu to Appeal
Following the judgment, IPOB’s legal consultant, Aloy Ejimakor, vowed to challenge the life sentence. “We are heading to the Court of Appeal,” he said, describing the ruling as “a symbol of the travesty of justice that everybody has suspected.”
He argued that Kanu was being punished for speech rather than action, saying: “Today is the only day I have seen a man convicted for what he said, not what he did.” Ejimakor insisted that the conviction lacked a legal foundation and vowed to take the matter to the Supreme Court if necessary.
Kanu’s case remains one of Nigeria’s most contentious legal battles, stretching back to 2015 and involving complex questions about human rights, national security, and political expression.
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