Federal High Court Convicts Nnamdi Kanu, Sentences Him to Life Imprisonment
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment after a protracted trial spanning ten years.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice Omotosho recalled that Kanu was arrested in Kenya under controversial circumstances four years ago and extradited to Nigeria to face trial. He was subsequently arraigned on seven counts bordering on terrorism.
The judgment was pronounced in Kanu’s absence, following his insistence that the terrorism charges filed by the Federal Government would not be determined. His conduct in court led to his removal by security operatives on the orders of the presiding judge.
Justice Omotosho held that several of Kanu’s broadcasts on Radio Biafra amounted to acts of terrorism, noting that his rhetoric was steeped in violence. The court further ruled that the “sit-at-home” directive issued by Kanu in the South-East constituted terrorism, as it infringed on citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of movement.
According to the judge, evidence before the court established that Kanu’s broadcasts incited attacks on security personnel, thereby amounting to preparatory acts of terrorism. He was consequently convicted on all seven counts, despite his plea of not guilty.
In sentencing, Justice Omotosho observed that Kanu showed no remorse throughout the proceedings, describing him as “arrogant and dismissive of the gravity of his actions and their impact on the South-East.” While noting that the death penalty is increasingly disfavoured internationally, the court imposed life imprisonment on counts one, four, five, and six.
The judge also directed that Kanu be held in protective custody, citing the need to safeguard him from possible reprisals given the harm caused to many citizens, particularly in the South-East.
Reacting to the judgment, Aloy Ejimakor, former counsel to Kanu, announced that the defence team would immediately appeal the decision. Speaking to journalists, Ejimakor stated: “We are heading to the Court of Appeal.”
In a subsequent statement, Ejimakor argued that the conviction was unsustainable, insisting that Kanu is not a terrorist. He contended that some of the broadcasts relied upon by the court were innocuous and unconnected to any specific act of violence.
Ejimakor maintained that the judgment “is not grounded in law, logic, or fact,” and expressed confidence that it would be overturned on appeal.
