The legal saga of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been a decade-long rollercoaster marked by arrests, courtroom drama, disappearances, and repeated legal battles.
It culminated on November 20, 2025, when the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted him on seven counts of terrorism and sentenced him to life imprisonment. Justice James Omotosho stated he would have imposed the death penalty but opted for life imprisonment as an act of mercy.
Here is a comprehensive timeline of Kanu’s arrest, trial, and conviction since 2015:
- October 14, 2015: Kanu was first arrested in Lagos and detained for over a year. He was arraigned by the Federal Government on an 11-count charge bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony.
- November 23, 2015: Kanu faced arraignment at the Abuja Magistrate Court on charges of criminal conspiracy, intimidation, and membership of an illegal organization by the DSS.
- April 28, 2017: Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, granted Kanu bail.
- September 2017: Following a military raid on his home in Afara-Ukwu, Abia State, during Operation Python Dance II, Kanu disappeared from public view and reportedly fled the country.
- September 20, 2017: IPOB was officially proscribed as a terrorist organization by the federal government.
- February 19, 2018: The Federal High Court ordered that Kanu be tried separately from his co-defendants, who included Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu, David Nwawuisi, and Bright Chimezie.
- November 26, 2020: Trial commenced in Abuja in Kanu’s absence, with five prosecution witnesses presented.
- January 27, 2021: Trial continued; Kanu and his counsel, Mr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor, were absent. Notices were served to the prosecution and defence team.
- June 19, 2021: Kanu was re-arrested in Kenya and brought back to Nigeria via alleged rendition.
- June 29, 2021: He was remanded in DSS custody in Abuja.
- July 26, 2021: Court ordered continued remand at the DSS facility pending trial.
- April 8, 2022: Eight of the fifteen-count charges against Kanu were struck out by the Federal High Court for lacking substance.
- October 13, 2022: The Court of Appeal ordered Kanu’s release and quashed remaining charges.
- December 15, 2023: The Supreme Court overturned the appellate decision, restoring the seven-count terrorism charge.
- March 2025: Justice James Omotosho took over the trial and ordered an accelerated hearing.
- May 22, 2025: Court set strict dates for the Federal Government to close its case.
- July 18, 2025: Trial adjourned to October 10 for ruling on “no-case” submission by the defence.
- October 16–30, 2025: Kanu frequently challenged the prosecution, fired his defence counsel, and opted to represent himself. Deadlines were repeatedly extended.
- November 4–7, 2025: Court gave final opportunities to Kanu to open his defence. He repeatedly argued the charges were invalid under repealed laws. Justice Omotosho ruled that Kanu waived his right to defence after the six-day period expired.
- November 20, 2025: The Federal High Court convicted Kanu on all seven terrorism-related counts. Justice Omotosho noted that his broadcasts via Radio Biafra, the sit-at-home orders, and instructions targeting police and military personnel constituted acts of terrorism and violated the rights of citizens in the South-East. He was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Kanu’s legal journey, beginning with his rise to prominence in 2009 through Radio Biafra, has been a saga of legal battles, courtroom confrontations, and political tension. His conviction closes a chapter in one of Nigeria’s most closely followed security and judicial cases.
Timeline: Nnamdi Kanu’s Legal Journey
2009
- Nnamdi Kanu rises to public attention via London-based Radio Biafra, gaining a following in South-East Nigeria.
2015
- October 14: Kanu arrested in Lagos; detained for over a year. Charged with 11 counts of terrorism and treasonable felony.
- November 23: Arraigned at Abuja Magistrate Court for criminal conspiracy, intimidation, and membership of an illegal organization.
2017
- April 28: Granted bail by Justice Binta Nyako of Federal High Court, Abuja.
- September: Kanu disappears after military raid on his home in Afara-Ukwu, Umuahia, Abia State during “Operation Python Dance II.”
- September 20: IPOB is designated a terrorist organization by court order.
2018
- February 19: Federal High Court orders separate trial for Kanu from co-defendants Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu, David Nwawuisi, and Bright Chimezie.
2020
- November 26: Federal High Court trial commences in Kanu’s absence. Five prosecution witnesses testify.
2021
- January 27: Trial continues; Kanu and counsel absent.
- June 19: Kanu re-arrested in Kenya; returned to Nigeria via alleged rendition.
- June 29: Court remands Kanu in DSS custody, Abuja.
- July 26: Federal High Court orders continued DSS custody pending trial.
2022
- April 8: Court strikes out 8 of 15 counts for lacking substance.
- October 13: Court of Appeal orders immediate release; quashes charges.
2023
- December 15: Supreme Court overturns Appeal Court decision, restoring 7-count terrorism charge.
2025
- March: Justice James Omotosho takes over trial; orders accelerated hearing.
- May 22: Court sets strict dates for Federal Government to close case.
- July 18: Trial adjourned for ruling on “no-case” submission.
- October 16–30: Kanu files motions challenging charges; fires counsel; opts to represent himself. Court grants deadlines.
- November 4–7: Kanu repeatedly refuses to open defence; court rules he has waived right to defence.
- November 20: Federal High Court convicts Kanu on all seven counts of terrorism and membership of proscribed IPOB.
- November 20: Justice Omotosho sentences Kanu to life imprisonment, stating he could have imposed the death penalty but showed mercy.
Key Points:
- Convicted on 7 terrorism-related counts.
- Pleaded not guilty throughout but refused to open defence.
- Sentenced to life imprisonment, despite IPOB leader’s non-guilty plea.
