Former Senate Minority Leader Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has strongly criticized the life imprisonment handed to Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, describing it as confirmation that justice in Nigeria is not equally applied to the Southeast region.
Unequal Treatment in Justice System
Speaking through his media adviser Uchenna Awom on November 21, 2025, Abaribe stated that the outcome was anticipated and reflects systemic inequities in Nigeria's justice system. The senator emphasized that the plot to jail Kanu for life did not surprise the Igbo nation or other right-thinking Nigerians.
"At the time the Federal Government refused to factor in pleadings to extend amnesty to Nnamdi Kanu, as was done for militants in the South-South and terror suspects in the North, we knew that today's outcome was imminent," Abaribe declared.
Court Delivers Maximum Sentence
The reaction came hours after Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment. The judge found the IPOB leader guilty on all seven terrorism charges brought against him, ending a legal battle that spanned nearly ten years.
Kanu had sought to block the judgment by arguing that the terrorism law used in his case had been repealed. However, the court rejected his submission and proceeded with conviction on all counts, including broadcasting sit-at-home orders and leading the proscribed organization.
Appeal for Calm and Presidential Intervention
Abaribe, who previously served as Senate Minority Leader, urged calm and patience among the Igbo people. He noted that the matter now rests squarely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and expressed hope for future justice.
"So we are not surprised; our people can only endure and hope for a time when justice in Nigeria would become the sine qua non," the senator stated. "We have done our best, making repeated appeals to the authorities to be circumspect and consider a pardon for the sake of unity and inclusiveness."
Abaribe concluded by appealing to Nigerians to remain calm, avoid taking the law into their hands, and pray for justice, equity, and fairness to prevail in the country. "We ask the Igbo nation and other lovers of Nigeria to remain calm, pray and not take the law into their hands. May Nigeria succeed, thrive and advance in Justice, Equity and Fairness," he added.
