A Decade Ends in Chains: Court Jails Nnamdi Kanu for Life After Terrorism Verdict”
By Passman Akpos
After nearly ten years of legal fireworks, dramatic courtroom exchanges, and a case that has sharply divided public opinion, the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday sentenced the self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment for terrorism.
The judgment, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, followed years of proceedings that began with Kanu’s arrest in 2015 and evolved into one of Nigeria’s most controversial and politically charged trials.
Life Sentence on Multiple Counts
Justice Omotosho held that the prosecution—led by the Department of State Services (DSS)—proved its case beyond reasonable doubt on all seven counts.
He sentenced Kanu to:
Life imprisonment on Counts One, Four, Five, and Six
20 years imprisonment on Count Three
5 years imprisonment on Count Seven
All sentences, the judge said, will run concurrently.
The court declined the prosecution’s demand for a death sentence but insisted the gravity of the offences warranted a punishment that “reflects the harm done to the nation.”
Prosecution: Kanu Incited Violence, Killings, Destruction
The court declared that Kanu’s numerous broadcasts on Radio Biafra and online platforms constituted preparatory and direct acts of terrorism.
Justice Omotosho cited transcripts in which Kanu allegedly urged his followers to:
Ambush and kill security personnel
Burn down the Murtala Muhammed International Airport
Attack foreign diplomatic missions
Carry out widespread destruction across the South-East
Quoting one of the broadcasts, the judge read:“Go to the bush… ambush them, take their guns and kill them… Set Murtala Muhammed Airport on fire. Set it ablaze right now.”
The court held that these directives directly resulted in fatal attacks on security operatives and the destruction of police formations and public infrastructure.
‘International Terrorist’ — Court Rules
Justice Omotosho further categorized the IPOB leader as an “international terrorist”, referencing broadcasts in which he allegedly threatened the British High Commission and the U.S. Embassy.#The judge said these threats fell squarely under Section 3 of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act (2013), which criminalizes attacks or threats against internationally protected persons
peregbafiseiye‘Freedom Fighter’ Claim Rejected
Kanu’s argument that he was merely advocating for self-determination was dismissed.
The court ruled that while the African Charter guarantees the right to self-determination, such political aspirations must follow constitutional processes—not violent agitation.
“IPOB, like Boko Haram and other extremist groups, has unleashed terror on Nigerians,” the judge said. “Nigeria is indivisible, and no agitation can be pursued through bloodshed.”
Courtroom Drama
Before the sentencing, a heated exchange erupted when Kanu—raising his voice—insisted the court had no right to proceed without his final written address.
“You don’t know the law!” he shouted.
Justice Omotosho ordered him removed from the courtroom, delivering the judgment in his absence.
Federal Government Wanted Death Sentence
Lead prosecution counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) argued passionately for the death penalty, insisting that families of 75 security personnel killed in IPOB-related attacks “deserve justice.”
He accused Kanu of showing “arrogance, not remorse.”
Appeal Coming
A member of the House of Representatives, Obinna Aguocha, pleaded for leniency, but the court maintained its position.
Meanwhile, IPOB legal consultant Aloy Ejimakor has vowed to challenge the verdict, describing the life sentence as “unjust and unacceptable.”
A Trial That Shaped a Decade
Since 2015, Kanu’s case has triggered diplomatic tensions, street protests, sit-at-home orders across the South-East, and heated national debate over human rights, secessionist agitation, and counterterrorism strategy.
Thursday’s ruling may have brought the trial to a close—at least for now—but the political, legal, and security reverberations are likely far from over.
