Nnamdi Kanu Sentenced to Life Imprisonment on Terrorism Charges
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday convicted Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on seven terrorism-related charges and sentenced him to life imprisonment
Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling after finding that Kanu’s broadcasts and directives, including “sit-at-home” orders, constituted acts of terrorism under Nigeria’s Terrorism Prevention Act. The court held that the orders led to violent disruptions, threats to security personnel, and restrictions on public movement in parts of the South-East.
The court issued multiple sentences, including:
- Life imprisonment on several major counts.
- 20 years’ imprisonment on one count.
- 5 years’ imprisonment on another count.
All sentences are to run concurrently. The judge also ordered that Kanu must not access mobile phones, computers, or the internet while in custody.
Federal prosecutors had requested the death penalty, arguing that the offences met the legal threshold for capital punishment. Justice Omotosho declined the request, stating that life imprisonment was more appropriate under the circumstances.
Kanu, who has advocated for an independent Biafran state, was first arrested in 2015. He left the country in 2017 after being granted bail and was later arrested in Kenya in 2021 and returned to Nigeria to face trial. His case has involved multiple adjournments and legal challenges, including efforts to halt proceedings.
The judgment concludes the trial phase of the case. Court directives regarding Kanu’s incarceration and access restrictions take immediate effect immediately
