Nigeria Court Sentences Nnamdi Kanu to Life Imprisonment for Terrorism

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

Nigeria Court Sentences Nnamdi Kanu to Life Imprisonment for Terrorism

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment after finding him guilty on all seven terrorism charges brought against him by the Federal Government.

Justice James Omotosho, who delivered the judgment, said the evidence presented by the prosecution proved that Kanu’s activities contributed to violence and instability across the South-East.

He described Kanu as someone whose actions endangered lives rather than protected them.

According to the judge, the court was satisfied that the prosecution established its case, noting that Kanu chose not to present a defence and instead relied entirely on the evidence already before the court.

“The defendant, Nnamdi Kanu, is declared an international terrorist and shall be treated as such,” Justice Omotosho stated while reading the ruling.

The judge is still delivering the final parts of the judgment as proceedings continue in Abuja.

Kanu has faced multiple legal battles since 2015 when he was first arrested on charges bordering on treasonable felony.

He was granted bail in 2017 but later fled the country. In June 2021, he was rearrested abroad and brought back to Nigeria, leading to the fresh terrorism charges against him.

His detention and trial have been the subject of national debate, drawing reactions from political leaders, civil society groups and residents of the South-East, where IPOB maintains a strong following.

Over the years, the region has
witnessed several violent incidents linked by authorities to the group’s activities, including attacks on security formations and enforcement of sit-at-home directives.

Kanu has repeatedly denied involvement in violence, insisting his agitation was focused on self-determination.

However, Wednesday’s ruling marks the most decisive judgment yet in his long-running faceoff with the Nigerian government.

Proceedings are still ongoing as Justice Omotosho delivers the final parts of the judgment in Abuja.

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Chioma Ndukwu

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