Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has been handed a life imprisonment sentence by the Federal High Court following a prolonged 10-year terrorism trial that has drawn nationwide attention.
In a landmark ruling that ends a decade-long legal saga, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 20 sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment after convicting him on all seven terrorism-related charges.
The charges stemmed from Kanu’s broadcasts on Radio Biafra, which the court ruled incited violence, promoted secession, directed attacks on security forces, and enforced deadly sit-at-home orders that paralyzed the South-East.
Justice Omotosho described Kanu’s actions as “clear acts of terrorism” that caused widespread loss of life, economic sabotage, and regional instability.Prosecutors, led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), had sought the death penalty, presenting evidence including Kanu’s alleged instructions on bomb-making and calls for armed resistance.
The judge, however, opted for mercy: “The death penalty is now frowned upon globally. In the interest of justice and as a Christian, I temper justice with mercy.” Kanu received life terms on five counts (running concurrently), 20 years on one, and five years on the seventh.
He is barred from digital devices and must serve in protective custody outside Kuje Prison.Drama unfolded in court when Kanu, representing himself after sacking his lawyers, disrupted proceedings, insisting the charges were invalid under a repealed law. He was ejected for “unruly behaviour,” and judgment proceeded in his absence.
Kanu’s legal consultant, Aloy Ejimakor, immediately vowed an appeal: “This verdict will not stand. We are heading straight to the Court of Appeal, and if necessary, the Supreme Court.
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not a terrorist.” Supporters condemned the ruling as “premeditated injustice,” while the Federal Government hailed it as a victory against separatism.The conviction comes just 24 hours after 44 federal lawmakers urged President Tinubu to release Kanu politically for national healing— a plea now overshadowed by the harsh sentence.
IPOB has declared the judgment “null and void,” warning of escalated agitation.As South-East streets remain tense with heavy security deployment, analysts predict the life sentence could either deter violence or ignite fresh unrest. For now, the man who revived Biafran dreams faces the rest of his life behind bars unless higher courts intervene.