Federal High Court Sentences Nnamdi Kanu to Life Imprisonment

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment, marking a major turning point in his prolonged legal confrontation with the Federal Government.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Thursday, four years after Kanu was rearrested in Kenya under controversial circumstances and extradited to Nigeria. Kanu had been standing trial on a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism, all of which the court upheld.

The judgment was delivered in Kanu’s absence following a dramatic courtroom confrontation earlier in the day. The IPOB leader had insisted no ruling could be issued in the case, leading to what court officials described as “unruly conduct,” prompting Justice Omotosho to order security operatives to remove him from the courtroom.

Reading the judgment, Justice Omotosho held that several broadcasts made by Kanu on Radio Biafra constituted terrorism-related offences. He noted that the recordings promoted violence, incited attacks on security agencies, and undermined state institutions. The judge further ruled that Kanu’s frequent sit-at-home directives across the South-East amounted to acts of terrorism, as they violated citizens’ constitutional right to free movement and instilled fear in the region.

The court also found that Kanu’s statements amounted to “preparatory terrorism,” citing prosecution evidence that he issued directives encouraging violence against police and military personnel. Justice Omotosho emphasized that Kanu lacked the constitutional authority to issue any directive restricting citizens’ movement.

After reviewing all submissions and evidence, the court declared Kanu guilty on all seven counts, despite his plea of not guilty.

The ruling formally convicts the IPOB leader of terrorism against the Federal Republic of Nigeria, drawing to a close one of the most contentious and closely watched trials in the country’s recent history.