The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment, bringing an end to a decade-long terrorism trial that has gripped national attention.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Thursday, four years after Kanu was controversially arrested in Kenya and returned to Nigeria to face a seven-count terrorism charge.
The ruling was handed down in Kanu’s absence. Moments before the judgment, the IPOB leader caused a stir in the courtroom when he insisted that no verdict would be delivered in the Federal Government’s case against him. His refusal to maintain order prompted Justice Omotosho to direct security operatives to remove him from the courtroom for unruly conduct.
In the judgement, the court held that several Radio Biafra broadcasts attributed to Kanu amounted to acts of terrorism. Justice Omotosho said the defendant’s messages were steeped in violence and incitement, including directives that endangered security personnel and civilians.
He further ruled that the sit-at-home orders repeatedly declared by Kanu in the South-East constituted terrorism, noting that the directives violated residents’ freedom of movement and had no constitutional backing.
According to the judge, evidence presented by the prosecution showed that Kanu used his broadcasts to order attacks on police and military officers, actions which he described as “preparatory terrorism.”
The court found Kanu guilty on all seven counts, rejecting his pleas of non-guilt. Justice Omotosho criticised the IPOB leader for showing no remorse throughout the trial, describing him as “arrogant, cocky and full of himself,” and noting that he failed to acknowledge the consequences of his actions on people in the South-East.
While the offences carry the possibility of a death sentence, the judge opted for life imprisonment, citing global concerns over capital punishment.
“The death penalty is increasingly frowned upon by the international community. Consequently, in the interest of justice, I hereby sentence the convict to life imprisonment on counts one, four, five and six,” he ruled.
Kanu will remain in custody to serve the sentence as ordered by the court.
