In a dramatic conclusion to a case that has gripped the nation for years, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court has sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment.
The judgment was delivered on Thursday, four years after Kanu was arrested in Kenya under contentious circumstances and brought back to Nigeria.
Kanu, who faced seven counts related to terrorism, was absent from the courtroom during the sentencing. The IPOB leader had insisted that the judgment should not proceed on the terrorism charges brought against him.
The courtroom drama escalated when the presiding judge ordered security agents to remove Kanu for what was described as “unruly behaviour.”
Justice Omotosho stated that several broadcasts by Kanu through Radio Biafra constituted acts of terrorism, adding that his rhetoric and intentions were anchored in violence. The judge also emphasized that Kanu’s sit-at-home orders across South-Eastern states amounted to terrorism, violating citizens’ fundamental freedom of movement.
“The defendant lacked any constitutional power to order people to stay at home,” Justice Omotosho said.
“From the evidence before this court, it is clear that preparatory acts of terrorism were carried out via broadcasts in which he instructed the killing of police and military officers.”
The court concluded that Kanu is guilty of committing acts of terrorism against the Federal Republic of Nigeria and convicted him on all seven counts, despite his earlier plea of not guilty.
This landmark ruling marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against terrorism and raises profound questions about security, governance, and civil liberties in the South-East.
