FEDERAL HIGH COURT ABUJA SENTENCES NNAMDI KANU TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment after finding him guilty on multiple terrorism-related charges, membership of an unlawful organisation, and incitement.

The historic judgment, delivered on Wednesday by Justice James Omotosho, capped years of intense legal battles, nationwide agitation, diplomatic concerns, and widespread public interest. The courtroom atmosphere was tense, with heavily armed security operatives stationed around the premises, while lawyers, journalists and observers filled every available seat to witness what has become one of Nigeria’s most consequential trials in recent memory.

Justice Omotosho ruled that the prosecution had convincingly proved that Kanu’s broadcasts and directives played a direct role in fuelling violent attacks across parts of the South-East, noting that the gravity of the offences posed a significant threat to national security. The court stressed that deterrence was paramount, especially in matters involving acts capable of destabilising the nation.

In delivering the final verdict, the judge stated that Kanu had been given full opportunity to defend himself in line with constitutional provisions on fair hearing before being convicted. The court further ordered that Kanu be placed in protective custody within any correctional facility in Nigeria, with strict prohibition on access to mobile phones or any electrical communication devices.

DETAILS OF THE COUNTS ON WHICH NNAMDI KANU WAS CONVICTED:

Count 6:

The court found Kanu guilty of making a broadcast on 20 August 2020, in which he urged students of Physics, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering to manufacture improvised explosives, bombs, and Molotov cocktails and deploy them against security operatives. He also called on his followers to “attack anybody with Police or Army uniforms in Aba, in Lagos” and to “destroy them before they destroy you.”

According to the prosecution, Kanu went further to encourage attacks on foreign diplomatic missions, inviting the public to burn and bomb the British High Commission and the United States Embassy, actions the court described as blatant violations of international law and entirely unrelated to any claim of self-determination.

Justice Omotosho held that these directives fell squarely under Section 12(f) of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013, which criminalises incitement to terrorism. He was therefore found guilty on Count 6.

Count 7:

Kanu was also convicted for importing a radio transmitter into Nigeria, concealed within a shipment declared as used household items. The act was deemed a deliberate attempt to evade detection and violated Section 47(2) of the Customs and Excise Duties Act 2004. The transmitter was allegedly used to broadcast messages that the prosecution argued contributed to public disorder and insecurity.

With the court’s verdict now delivered, the judgment marks a defining moment in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts and sets a significant legal precedent for cases involving incitement, violent separatism, and national security.