A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed separatist group Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment following his conviction on terrorism charges.
Justice James Omotosho handed down the verdict after concluding the seven-count trial prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS). Kanu received life imprisonment for counts one, two, four, five, and six, all relating to terrorism offences.
For count three, concerning membership of a proscribed terrorist organization, Kanu was sentenced to 20 years in prison without an option of fine. On count seven, which involved the unlawful importation of a radio transmitter to advance the activities of Radio Biafra—a station not registered in Nigeria—the court imposed a five-year jail term without an option of fine.
Justice Omotosho noted that Kanu had been unruly throughout the trial and said the law permitted a death sentence for the terrorism offences. However, he opted for life imprisonment, citing personal religious convictions as a Christian, and exercised mercy.
The judge ordered that Kanu be held in protective custody in any part of the country, except Kuje Prison in Abuja. He also directed the forfeiture of the radio transmitter to the Federal Government.
The ruling marks a significant development in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to curb separatist agitation and terrorism.
