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 of multiple terrorism-related offences.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice James Omotosho imposed life sentences on counts one, two, four, five and six, opting against the maximum penalty of death prescribed under Nigerian law. The court further handed Kanu 20 years’ imprisonment on count three and five years on count seven. Both terms carry no option of fine.
Justice Omotosho convicted Kanu on all seven counts, which centred on terrorism, secessionist activities, membership of a proscribed organisation, killings of security operatives, destruction of public property, concealment, and the unlawful importation of an unregistered radio transmitter used for Radio Biafra broadcasts.
For count three—membership of a proscribed terrorist organisation—the judge imposed a 20-year sentence, while count seven, involving the illegal importation of transmission equipment, attracted a five-year term.
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The court held that Kanu’s repeated broadcasts issuing threats of violence, including sit-at-home directives across the South-East, constituted acts of terrorism. Justice Omotosho noted that his statements—such as claims that “the Army of Nigeria will die” and “everything called Nigeria will perish”—were aimed at fuelling the separation of the South-East, South-South and parts of the Middle Belt to form a Biafra nation.
“He enforced sit-at-home orders in the South-East, declaring a total shutdown of Biafraland and threatening individuals who attempted to open their shops,” the judge said, describing the orders as unconstitutional and harmful to economic, social and religious activities in the region.
The court also referenced several broadcasts in which Kanu referred to Nigeria as a “zoo” and insisted that nothing would survive unless Biafra was granted independence.
Despite noting that the law allows a death sentence for the offences, Justice Omotosho said he considered principles of mercy in determining punishment.
“I have reviewed the file from the inception of this matter in 2015. The convict has exhibited unruly behaviour throughout. Nevertheless, this court will exercise mercy, as enjoined by the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ,” he stated.
All sentences are to run concurrently.
Given security concerns, the judge ruled that Kanu should not be held at Kuje Correctional Centre. Instead, he is to be kept in protective custody at a secure facility elsewhere in Nigeria. The court also barred him from any access to digital devices and ordered the forfeiture of the imported transmitter to the Federal Government.
