In a proceeding that extended for more than seven hours, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday delivered judgment convicting the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on all seven terrorism-related counts brought against him by the Federal Government, and imposed a sentence of life imprisonment.
In reaction, South-East political and community leaders expressed their intention to pursue a political resolution to secure Kanu’s release and appealed for calm. Speaking on behalf of regional leaders, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, stated that avenues for political intervention were now open following the conclusion of the trial. He reiterated confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would give due consideration to appeals from respected South-East stakeholders.
The court session commenced amid tension after Kanu interrupted proceedings, prompting the judge to direct his removal from the courtroom on account of disruptive conduct. Justice Omotosho held that a defendant may forfeit the right to be present during trial where he engages in repeated unruly behaviour, and proceeded to deliver judgment in his absence.
The court found Kanu guilty of several offences arising from his broadcasts and directives, which the court held constituted acts of terrorism under Nigerian law. Justice Omotosho concluded that Kanu’s public statements and orders, including those urging civil disobedience and projecting violent outcomes should his demands not be met, met the statutory threshold for terrorism offences. While noting that the offences attract the death penalty, the court opted to impose a life sentence, citing considerations of mercy.
On count three, relating to membership of a proscribed organisation, the court imposed 20 years’ imprisonment without an option of fine; and on count seven, relating to unlawful importation of a radio transmitter, it imposed five years’ imprisonment without an option of fine. All sentences are to run concurrently.
The judge further ordered that Kanu be detained in a secure custodial facility other than the Kuje Correctional Centre, given past security breaches at that location. The court also ordered forfeiture of the seized transmitter to the Federal Government and directed that the convict be denied access to digital devices.
Justice Omotosho additionally observed that Kanu’s failure to present witnesses or meaningfully engage the court, despite initially indicating an intention to call multiple witnesses—including foreign nationals—rendered many of his assertions unsubstantiated. The court emphasised that numerous interlocutory applications and objections raised by the defence were not supported by admissible evidence.
Following sentencing, members of Kanu’s former legal team, now described as “consultants,” were directed to communicate the judgment to him. Kanu’s representative, Aloy Ejimakor, informed the press that the defence would immediately approach the Court of Appeal, asserting that the conviction constituted a miscarriage of justice.
Prominent Igbo socio-political groups, including Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Coalition of South-East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), the South East Revival Group (SERG), and the Igbo Community Association in Abuja, issued statements criticising the judgment. Concerns raised included allegations of constitutional violations, application of a repealed statute, perceived denial of fair hearing, and fears that the conviction could inflame tensions in the South-East region. Several groups urged President Tinubu to exercise constitutional prerogatives to pursue a political resolution.
Senior legal practitioners from the region similarly expressed reservations, with some viewing the matter as more political than criminal in nature and advocating for political intervention notwithstanding the court’s decision.
Despite widespread public interest, economic and social activities in affected states such as Imo and Abia were largely unaffected, although minimal precautionary measures were reported in some localities.#newsafro_
