Justice James Omotoso of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has sentenced the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment after finding him guilty on all seven counts of terrorism filed against him.
Kanu’s trial, one of Nigeria’s most high-profile legal cases, has spanned several years. He was first arrested in 2015 on charges of treasonable felony and terrorism. In 2017, he fled the country while on bail following a military operation at his residence during “Operation Python Dance” in the South-East. He was rearrested in Kenya in June 2021 under disputed circumstances and returned to Nigeria, after which the charges against him were expanded to 15 counts.
Throughout the trial, Kanu challenged the legitimacy of the proceedings, alleging procedural violations and raising issues relating to his extradition.
Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, represented the Federal Government, while Kanu represented himself.
Court Proceedings and Conviction
At 2:16pm, Justice Omotosho declared Kanu guilty on all seven charges. The court held that his actions, including public broadcasts, sit-at-home directives in the South-East, and threats of violence, amounted to terrorism. The judge also ruled that self-determination, as cited by Kanu, is a political right that must be pursued through constitutional amendment and not through violent agitation.
The court described Kanu as an “international terrorist,” referencing his alleged threats against the British High Commission and directives involving the United States.
Justice Omotosho noted that Kanu refused to enter his defence and failed to call witnesses, adding that he repeatedly behaved in a disorderly manner in court. Due to his conduct, the judgment was delivered in his absence.
Sentencing
At 4:22pm, the court sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment. Before the sentence, the prosecution, led by Awomolo, SAN, argued that terrorism represents a grave threat to society and requested the death penalty, while also urging that Kanu be kept in a secure correctional facility due to the risks posed by his supporters and detractors.
The judge criticised Kanu for showing no remorse, saying he brought harm to his own people and acted without regard for the law. He instructed Kanu’s consultants—including legal associate Alloy Ejimakor and Hon. Obi Aguocha, who represents Kanu’s constituency in the House of Representatives—to convey the sentence to him.
Earlier, the court had adjourned at 2:42pm to reconvene for sentencing at 3:50pm.
The proceedings leading to the sentencing included Kanu interrupting the court, refusing instructions from the judge, disputing the legality of the charges, and insisting on filing additional motions. The judge maintained that the court was bound to continue, noting that issues raised by Kanu had been previously addressed.
With the pronouncement of life imprisonment, the judgment marks the culmination of a long-running and contentious trial.
