Federal High Court Sentences IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu to Life Imprisonment for Terrorism

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu to life in prison on terrorism charges, found him guilty on seven counts, handing down a concurrent sentence structure.

Justice Omotosho sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment for Counts 1, 4, 5, and 6, declining the death penalty despite the severity of the offences. On Count 3, Kanu will serve 20 years, and on Count 7, he will serve 5 years, with no option of a fine. All sentences are to run concurrently.

Because of his “violent tendencies and associated atrocities,” the court ordered that Kanu be held in a secure facility, not the standard Kuje Correctional Centre. He will also be restricted from using any digital device unless monitored by the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Additionally, Justice Omotosho issued a final order that Kanu’s broadcast transmitter be forfeited to the Federal Government, citing its role in his unlawful activities.

After the ruling, Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, announced plans to appeal the judgment to the Court of Appeal, calling the sentence “cruel and unusual.”