In a tense and dramatic session that stretched over seven hours, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday handed Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a life sentence after convicting him on all seven terrorism-related charges brought by the Federal Government.
Following the verdict, leaders from the South-East region quickly responded, emphasizing the need for a political resolution and urging calm among their people.
Representing Igbo leaders, Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Ben Kalu, stated, “All hope is not lost: Political avenues are being explored to secure Kanu’s release.” In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu expressed confidence that the Federal Government, and President Bola Tinubu in particular, would consider the appeals of well-meaning Igbo leaders. He urged the South-East populace and Nigerians at large to remain composed.
“It is now appropriate to pursue political solutions that were previously delayed because the case was before the courts. With the trial concluded, we will intensify our efforts to seek the President’s intervention. The President is not opposed to this, and we are confident of achieving it. People should remain calm,” he added.
The court proceedings began tensely after Kanu repeatedly interrupted the judge, prompting security operatives to remove him from the courtroom. Justice Omotosho declared that the session would continue in Kanu’s absence, describing his behaviour as unruly.
During the verdict reading, Kanu protested, claiming the court could not proceed because he had not submitted his final written address. He demanded, “Which law allows me to be charged under an unwritten law? Show me! Any judgment delivered in this court is rubbish.” He also accused the judge of bias and questioned his legal knowledge.
After a brief recess, the prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo, requested that the trial continue without Kanu due to his disruptive actions. Justice Omotosho clarified that while a defendant has a constitutional right to be present, repeated misconduct can permit proceedings to continue in their absence.
“If a defendant behaves disorderly or acts unruly during trial, the court may proceed without them,” he explained, adding, “The court of justice is a temple of God.” The judge also noted that Kanu had previously exhibited similar behaviour on multiple occasions.
The trial revealed that Kanu declined to present a defence, and Thursday’s session was solely for sentencing. Consequently, he was removed from the courtroom, and the judge proceeded to deliver the judgment.
The Verdict
Justice Omotosho sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment for counts 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 of the seven-count charge. These charges included his secessionist activities aimed at disintegrating South-East, South-South, and parts of the Middle Belt, engaging in terrorism, belonging to a proscribed group, killing security personnel, destroying public property, concealing criminal acts, and illegally importing a radio transmitter.
For count 3, relating to membership in a proscribed terrorist organization, Kanu received 20 years imprisonment with no option of fine. For count 7, concerning the unlawful importation of a radio transmitter for Radio Biafra broadcasts, he was sentenced to five years imprisonment, also without the option of fine.
Justice Omotosho explained that Kanu’s broadcasts threatening violence, including statements such as “people will die and the nation will stand still,” constituted acts of terrorism punishable by death. However, citing international opposition to the death penalty and tempering justice with mercy, he chose to sentence Kanu to life imprisonment instead. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently.
The judge emphasized that Kanu’s directives, including enforcing sit-at-home orders across the South-East, were illegal and amounted to acts of terrorism. Omotosho cited specific examples, noting that Kanu had warned that anyone opening shops during the sit-at-home would face retaliation. He also condemned Kanu for preventing residents from attending church or tending farmlands.
The court held that Kanu’s broadcasts, in which he threatened the Nigerian Army and promoted secession, violated the Terrorism Prevention Act and disrupted public order. These actions contributed to the death of an All Progressives Congress chieftain, Ahmed Gulak, and caused widespread economic and social disruption.
While acknowledging Kanu’s unruly behaviour throughout the trial, Justice Omotosho stated that the sentence reflects mercy consistent with Christian teachings, citing the book of Matthew. The judge also instructed that Kanu should be kept in a secure facility outside Kuje Custodial Centre, given past security breaches there, and prohibited access to digital devices. The seized transmitter was forfeited to the Federal Government.
Reactions and Calls for Political Intervention
Kanu’s legal consultant, Aloy Ejimakor, announced plans to challenge the verdict at the Court of Appeal, describing the judgment as a “travesty of justice.” He expressed confidence that the appellate court would overturn the conviction and vowed to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court if necessary.
South-East leaders and groups, including Ohanaeze Ndigbo, COSEYL, and the Igbo Community Association in Abuja, condemned the ruling. They described it as a violation of democracy, free speech, and natural justice, arguing that it could destabilize the region and undermine recent peace.
SERG (South East Revival Group) criticized the use of the repealed Terrorism Prevention Act 2013 in convicting Kanu, calling the judgment “a mockery of Nigerian jurisprudence” and urging the National Judicial Council and appellate courts to intervene.
Several prominent lawyers, including Ngozi Olehi (SAN) and Prof Francis Dike (SAN), noted the political dimensions of Kanu’s trial, emphasizing that the Federal Government still retains the authority to release him despite the conviction. They urged a political solution to restore peace and stability.
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Despite the verdict, business activities continued in Kanu’s home state of Abia and surrounding areas, with markets, banks, and streets largely calm. Schools in some areas sent students home, and roads around government offices were cordoned off for security reasons.
The life sentence of Nnamdi Kanu has sent shockwaves through the South-East, sparking calls for dialogue, mercy, and political engagement, highlighting the deep-seated complexities of national unity, justice, and regional tensions in Nigeria.
