Federal High Court Sentences Nnamdi Kanu to Life Imprisonment on Terrorism Charges

The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted and sentenced the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment on terrorism-related offences.

Delivering judgment, Justice James Omotosho found Kanu guilty on all seven counts filed by the Federal Government, ruling that evidence showed he used illegal radio broadcasts to incite violence and killings nationwide. Kanu received a life sentence on counts 1, 4, 5, and 6; 20 years on count 3; and five years on count 7, all to run concurrently. The court said it opted against the death penalty “in deference to a Biblical injunction that required him to show mercy.”

Justice Omotosho described Kanu as “cocky and arrogant,” stating that his conduct caused repeated delays since his trial started in 2015. The judge also ordered that he be held in protective custody outside Kuje Prison and that his confiscated radio transmitter, described as “the object of crime,” be forfeited to the Federal Government.

According to the court, prosecution evidence linked Kanu’s broadcasts to the deaths of 175 security operatives, the destruction of 134 police stations, nine INEC offices, and attacks allegedly encouraged during the EndSARS protests. “I hold that he is an international terrorist,” the judge said.

Outrage Trails Verdict

Former Senate President Adolphus Wabara condemned the ruling, expressing shock that “24 hours after a Federal High Court sentenced a Boko Haram leader to five years in prison, Kanu… was handed life imprisonment.” He insisted that Kanu “is not a terrorist” and said the judgment would be appealed.

The Igbo Women Assembly also rejected the ruling outright. Its president, Lolo Nneka Chimezie, said the judgment “appeared as if it had been written before the trial started,” insisting Kanu is innocent.

Former Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe argued the outcome was expected, saying, “Justice in Nigeria is not for South East,” and faulted the Federal Government for negotiating with violent groups in the North while refusing to engage IPOB.

More Reactions

Former presidential aide Josef Onoh accused the government of double standards for seeking the death penalty for Kanu while rehabilitating “repentant” Boko Haram fighters.

The Igbo Community Association in Abuja said Kanu “was not allowed to defend himself,” warning that the ruling threatens the fragile peace recently restored in the Southeast.

Across Imo and Abia States, residents expressed sadness and resignation, with many saying the verdict was unsurprising given the history of the case. Heavy security was also deployed around Abia State Government House in Umuahia following the judgment.

Background

Kanu was first arrested in 2015 after returning from the UK. Granted bail in 2017, he later fled the country after a military raid at his home. He was re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 and renditioned to Nigeria, where he has remained in DSS custody. Though several charges were dismissed over the years, the Supreme Court in December 2023 allowed his trial to continue on the remaining seven counts.

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