The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday sentenced the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment after finding him guilty of terrorism charges brought by the Federal Government.
Justice James Omotosho, delivering judgment in a crowded courtroom, held that the prosecution had successfully proved all seven counts against Kanu beyond reasonable doubt.
Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), was convicted on all charges bordering on terrorism, incitement, and membership of an unlawful organisation.
While some of the offences ordinarily attract the death penalty, Justice Omotosho said the court opted for a life sentence because “life is sacred to God,” adding that the punishment was sufficient given the gravity of the offences.
The judge handed Kanu life sentences on counts one, four, five and six. He also imposed a 20-year jail term on count three and a three-year imprisonment on count seven. All sentences are to run concurrently.
Security was tightened around the court premises before, during, and after the ruling, as supporters of the IPOB leader attempted to gather but were restricted by security operatives.
Kanu’s lead counsel, who declined immediate comment, said the legal team would study the judgment and decide on the next steps, including a possible appeal.
The Federal Government has been prosecuting Kanu since 2021 following his re-arrest and return to Nigeria after he jumped bail in 2017.
The judgment marks one of the most significant rulings in Nigeria’s recent terrorism-related cases and is expected to generate wide political and legal reactions in the coming days.
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