In a high-profile trial that spanned over seven hours, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday sentenced the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment after convicting him on all seven counts of terrorism brought by the Federal Government.
Reacting swiftly, South-East leaders pledged to pursue a political solution for Kanu’s release and called for calm across the region. Speaking on behalf of Igbo leaders, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Ben Kalu said, “All hope is not lost: a political solution is underway to secure Kanu’s release.” Kalu’s Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, further expressed optimism that a political approach could lead to Kanu’s freedom, urging President Bola Tinubu to heed the pleas of Igbo leaders.
The tense court session began with Kanu interrupting proceedings, resulting in his removal from the courtroom after the judge described his behavior as unruly. Despite the disruption, Justice Omotosho continued the trial in Kanu’s absence, citing the defendant’s repeated misconduct. The judge noted that Kanu had declined to present a defense and Thursday’s hearing was solely for judgment and sentencing.
Delivering the verdict, Justice Omotosho sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment on counts one, two, four, five, and six, relating to secessionist activities, terrorism, membership of a proscribed group, attacks on security personnel, and destruction of property. For count three, membership in a proscribed group, Kanu received 20 years in prison, and for count seven—unlawful importation of a radio transmitter—he was handed five years, both without the option of a fine. All sentences are to run concurrently.
Omotosho justified the sentence by citing Kanu’s calls for violence and enforcement of sit-at-home orders, which led to deaths, business shutdowns, and disruptions in the South-East. While noting that terrorism convictions carry the death penalty, the judge said he opted for life imprisonment in line with international trends and the principle of mercy.
Due to security concerns, the court ordered Kanu to be held in protective custody outside the Kuje Correctional Centre and barred him from access to digital devices. The court also ordered the forfeiture of the seized radio transmitter to the Federal Government.
Kanu’s legal consultant, Aloy Ejimakor, announced plans to appeal the ruling, describing the judgment as a travesty of justice” and expressing confidence that it would be overturned in higher courts.
The verdict sparked strong reactions among Igbo leaders and groups. Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s former Vice President, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, decried the ruling as a “black day” for Ndigbo and called for Kanu’s unconditional release, insisting the trial was politically motivated. The Coalition of South-East Youth Leaders appealed to President Tinubu to adopt a compassionate, political solution, arguing that Kanu’s case highlights deeper issues of national unity and representation.
The South East Revival Group criticized the judgment as a violation of due process, pointing out that Kanu was convicted under a repealed law and urging swift intervention from the National Judicial Council and the Court of Appeal. The Igbo Community Association in Abuja also rejected the conviction, warning that it could destabilize the fragile peace in the region.
Legal experts, including senior lawyers Ngozi Olehi (SAN) and Prof. Francis Dike (SAN), described Kanu’s trial as more political than legal, with Olehi calling for a political solution despite the conviction.
Despite the dramatic events in court, business and daily life remained largely undisturbed across Owerri and Kanu’s home state of Abia, with markets and banks operating normally and a general atmosphere of calm prevailing.
