Reasons Nnamdi Kanu Was Sentenced To Life In Prison

In a marathon hearing on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, sentenced the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment after convicting him on seven counts arising from terrorism-related charges brought by the Federal Government.

The hearing, which began at 9:00 a.m., ran for more than seven hours and ended at about 4:30 p.m. Kanu was removed from the courtroom after repeatedly interrupting proceedings; the judge continued and delivered judgment in his absence.

What Led To Nnamdi Kanu’s Sentence

The prosecution’s case, assembled over a decade, relied largely on Kanu’s public addresses, radio broadcasts on Radio Biafra and directives alleged to have provoked unrest across the South-East. The charges, filed from 2015, include secessionist agitation aimed at disintegrating parts of the country, engaging in acts of terrorism, belonging to a proscribed organisation, killing security operatives, burning and destroying public property, concealment, and importing an unregistered radio transmitter.

Evidence tendered at trial included recorded broadcasts in which Kanu reportedly described Nigeria as a “zoo,” stated that “the Army of Nigeria will die,” and asserted that “everything called Nigeria will perish in Biafra.” The court also relied on broadcasts ordering sit-at-home directives across the South-East, which the judge said caused shutdowns of economic activity, prevented people from going to church and farms, and contributed to violent incidents, including the killing of APC chieftain Ahmed Gulak.

Additional counts concerned Kanu’s leadership role in IPOB after the group was proscribed, and the unlawful importation of a radio transmitter used to operate Radio Biafra. The prosecution closed its case on June 19, 2025. The trial record shows repeated delays, adjournments and change of legal representation; the judge noted that Kanu disengaged senior counsel, disrupted proceedings and ultimately declined to open his defence after the prosecution rested.

The Ruling/Verdict Of Judge Omotosho

Justice Omotosho found Kanu guilty on all seven counts and imposed different sentences for each. He sentenced him to life imprisonment on counts 1,2,4,5 and 6, while count 3, which involved belonging to a proscribed terrorist group, carried a 20-year sentence.

For count 7, which dealt with the unlawful importation of an unregistered radio transmitter, the judge imposed a five-year sentence. All the sentences are to run concurrently.

Key quotes from Justice Omotosho recorded in the judgment:

“A person who is found guilty of the offence will get a maximum of a death sentence. The death penalty is increasingly frowned upon by the international community. Consequently, and in the interest of justice, I hereby sentence the convict, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment on counts 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 instead of the death penalty.”

“If a defendant misconducts himself or acts in an unruly manner during the course of his trial, his trial can be conducted in his absence.”

“The defendant enforced the order of Sit-at-home in the South-East, saying there will be a complete shutdown of Biafraland; Saying I know some of you are foolish, trying to open your shop around 12 noon. If you do that, we will burn you in that shop.”

“This is an unconstitutional act that is subversive, a notorious act where people in the South-East are made to sit at home, everywhere is deserted, even the farmlands.”

-“I read the entire file from the time the matter first started in 2015. He has caused delays… However, this court will not consider that, as God himself is merciful. This court is only being merciful to him as enjoined by our Lord Jesus Christ… The Lord is merciful, the court will follow the admonishments of the Lord Jesus Christ and show mercy.”

-“I have no hesitation in concluding that the tendency for violence has not left the convict… placing him in Kuje Correctional Centre may not be appropriate.”

The judge also ordered that Kanu be kept in protective custody in a facility other than Kuje Correctional Centre and that he be denied access to any digital device. The transmitter seized by authorities was ordered forfeited to the Federal Government.

The court concluded that Kanu’s broadcasts and directives constituted acts of terrorism under Nigerian law because they allegedly incited violence, threatened the existence of the state and produced tangible harmful outcomes.

Justice Omotosho highlighted statements where Kanu threatened violence, enforced sit-at-home orders that shut down commerce and farming activities, and allegedly contributed to deaths and destruction of property. While some offences attract a maximum penalty of death, the judge said he exercised mercy and imposed life sentences on the principal counts.

Reactions From Nigerians

The verdict generated intense public reaction, particularly on social media.

@obande101
It’s shameful that the Nigeria government gives selective judgment just to divert attention from the real security issues arising like the sentencing of Mazi Nnamdi kanu while the real terrorist that goes gun blazing, killing and kidnapping people are left free in the north. https://x.com/obande101/status/1991780957075202558?s=20

What Next?

Kanu’s consultant, Aloy Ejimakor, said his team will immediately appeal, beginning at the Court of Appeal and, if necessary, proceeding to the Supreme Court. South-East leaders, represented by Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu, have signalled a push for a political solution, urging calm and stating “all hope is not lost” as they intensify calls for presidential intervention.

The case is expected to move quickly into the appellate track while political and regional responses continue.