Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of terrorism by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Thursday. Kanu received life sentences for counts 1, 4, 5, and 6 of the charges against him. He also received 20 years for count 3 and 5 years for count 7. All sentences will run at the same time.
The judge said the prosecution proved all its allegations and that Kanu did not provide any strong defence. He described Kanu as someone who should not be allowed to remain in society and called him an “international terrorist”.
He added that Kanu’s claim of being a freedom fighter did not excuse “unlawful actions” that led to the deaths of innocent people.
Why He Was Not Sentenced to Death
The federal government had asked the court to impose the death penalty based on the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act. However, Justice Omotosho said that although Kanu’s crimes deserved death, he chose life imprisonment “to show mercy”, noting that many countries now oppose the death penalty.
Judge Says Kanu Showed No Remorse
The judge said Kanu showed arrogance throughout the trial and did not show any regret for his actions. He said he was influenced by a Bible verse (Matthew 23:23) to be merciful.
Special Jail Conditions
Justice Omotosho ruled that Kanu should not be sent to Kuje prison because of his behaviour during trial. He said Kanu has a “tendency for violence” and must be kept in a secure facility anywhere in Nigeria.
Kanu is also banned from using any electronic device, including phones, unless supervised by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The court also ordered that items recovered from him including a transmitter be seized by the federal government.
Fresh reports have emerged that he has appealed the judgement.
