Breaking: Court sentences Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment for terrorism

By Kazeem Ugbodaga & Paul Dada

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court on Thursday sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment, concluding a high-profile trial that has lasted several years.

The sentencing  followed his conviction earlier on Thursday, for the seven-count terrorism charge slammed against him.

The judge said although the convict deserved the death sentence for some of the counts, he decided to temper justice with mercy in line with Jesus’ admonition in Mathew 23:23. He also said that that he  decided not to pass the maximum sentence because the death penalty is being frowned upon globally.

“No doubt the convict has not conducted himself well… But this court will not consider that in sentencing because of God. The court is only being merciful.”

The judge proceeded to convict him of life imprisonment for counts 1, 4, 5 and 6. For count 3, the judge sentenced him to 20 years imprisonment with no option of fine. Kanu was further jailed five years for count 7. The judge ordered that the sentence should run concurrently.

Justice Omotosho further ordered that Kanu be placed in a prison suitable for him because of his tendency to be violent. He particularly ordered that he should not be kept in Kuje Custodial Centre.

He said  Kanu used digital devices to incite violence.

“Based on that, without the hesitation, I agree with the prosecution; the convict must not not be allowed access to any digital device. And if he must, he must be monitored by the office of the National Security Adviser.”

He said, “I order that he be kept in protective custody in any custodial center in the country.”

Further, the judge also ordered that the broadcast transmitter that Kanu illegally imported into the country be forfeited to the Federal Government.

Kanu, who was arrested in Kenya under contentious circumstances four years ago and extradited to Nigeria, faced seven counts related to terrorism.

The judgment was delivered in his absence after he refused to participate in the proceedings, insisting that the court had no authority over him regarding the terrorism charges.

His refusal led the presiding judge to order security personnel to remove him from the courtroom for unruly behaviour.

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho cited several broadcasts by Kanu on Radio Biafra as constituting acts of terrorism, noting that his rhetoric and directives were anchored on violence.

The judge further stated that Kanu’s enforcement of sit-at-home orders in South-Eastern states amounted to terrorism, as it infringed on citizens’ freedom of movement and exceeded any constitutional authority.

The court also highlighted evidence that Kanu, through his broadcasts, engaged in preparatory acts of terrorism, including incitement to kill police and military personnel. Based on the evidence, the court found him guilty on all seven counts, despite his plea of not guilty.

Justice Omotosho concluded that Kanu’s actions constituted acts of terrorism against the Federal Republic of Nigeria, affirming the life sentence as a deterrent against threats to national security.