Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Abuja after being found guilty of multiple terrorism-related offenses.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the verdict in a highly publicized trial, convicting Kanu on seven counts, including terrorism, incitement, illegal stay-at-home orders, teaching bomb-making, and membership of a proscribed organization. The court described Kanu as “an international terrorist” whose incitements led to widespread violence, deaths of security operatives, and destruction of government facilities across southeastern Nigeria. Kanu was removed from the courtroom for unruly conduct during proceedings, with the judgement delivered in his absence.
Despite the prosecution’s plea for the death penalty, the court sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment out of “mercy,” with additional 20- and 5-year prison terms to run concurrently and no option of fine. Judge Omotosho stated, “The defendant had an evil intention to wreak havoc on the people and government of Nigeria. He turned himself into a tyrant who can kill at will. The defendant cannot be allowed to remain in a sane human society.”
The ruling marks a significant moment for Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts and is expected to draw substantial national and international attention.
