In a dramatic proceeding that lasted for over seven hours, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, sentenced the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment following his conviction on all seven counts of terrorism charges preferred against him by the Federal Government.
But in a swift response to the development, the South-East leaders said they would explore a political solution for Kanu’s release, calling for calm.
Speaking on behalf of Ndigbo leaders, the Deputy Speaker, Federal House of Representatives, Ben Kalu, stated, “All hope is not lost: Political solution is underway to secure Kanu’s release.”
In a statement by Levinus Nwabughiogu, the deputy speaker’s Chief Press Secretary, Kalu expressed optimism that Kanu would be freed through a political approach.
The South-East leader expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would listen to the pleas of well-meaning Igbo leaders on the matter, saying that the President would not be averse to it. He urged the people of the South-East and all Nigerians to remain calm.
“It is now time to explore political solutions that had been hindered because the matter was before the court. But now that the court has finished, it is time to intensify the request for the President’s intervention and we are sure that the President is not averse to it. We are going to get it. All hope is not lost. Our people should remain calm.”
The court proceeding began on a tense note after Kanu interrupted the judge, prompting him to order the security operatives to remove the IPOB leader from the courtroom.
The judge said the session would continue without Kanu after describing his behaviour in court as unruly.
Kanu had interjected during the verdict, insisting that the court could not proceed as he had not filed his final written address.
He raised his voice, demanding, “‘Which law states that you can charge me on an unwritten law? Show me. Omotosho, where is the law? Any judgment declared in this court is complete rubbish.”
He accused the judge of bias and claimed that he lacked an understanding of the law.
After a brief recess, the prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo, urged the court to continue the trial without Kanu, citing his disruptive conduct.
Omotosho stated that while a defendant had a constitutional right to be present during trial, repeated misconduct can allow proceedings to continue in their absence.
“If a defendant misconducts himself or acts in an unruly manner during the course of his trial, his trial can be conducted in his absence,” he said.
