The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment after finding him guilty on all seven terrorism charges filed by the Federal Government.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice James Omotosho imposed life sentences on counts one, four, five, and six, ruling out the death penalty sought by the prosecution. The court also handed down a 20-year prison term on count two and five years on count seven.
Kanu was convicted of various terrorism-related offences, including acts deemed threatening to national security and public safety. Throughout the proceedings, the prosecution argued that his actions warranted the maximum penalty under the law, while defence lawyers maintained that the charges were politically motivated.
The sentencing followed a tense court session earlier in the day, during which Kanu was briefly removed from the courtroom for what the judge described as “unruly conduct.”
Reactions have begun to trail the judgment, with human rights activists, political leaders, and supporters of the separatist leader expressing mixed opinions.
A member of the House of Representatives had earlier appealed to the court to “temper justice with mercy,” urging the government to consider a political solution.
Further details and nationwide reactions are expected as stakeholders respond to the landmark ruling.
