Nnamdi Kanu, the prominent leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The ruling delivered on Thursday, November 20, 2025, marks a significant development in the long-running legal battle involving the separatist leader.
Court Delivers Multiple Sentences
Justice James Omotosho handed down life imprisonment terms on five separate counts - counts one, two, four, five, and six. Additionally, Kanu received a 20-year jail term on count three and five years on count seven. The court specified that none of the sentences included the option of a fine.
The conviction comes after the court ruled that Kanu had failed to open his defense against the seven terrorism-related charges brought by the federal government. Prior to the judgment, Kanu's legal team had filed a motion at the Court of Appeal seeking to stop the proceedings, arguing that the terrorism legislation used against him was invalid and based on repealed laws.
Legal Team Vows to Challenge Verdict
Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu's former lawyer and consultant, immediately confirmed that the legal team would appeal the judgment. Speaking to journalists after the court session, Ejimakor declared "We are heading to appeal" and emphasized that preparations were underway to take the case to the Appeal Court.
Ejimakor strongly criticized the ruling, stating that "The verdict & the sentence today will not stand." He vehemently rejected the terrorism label applied to his client, asserting that "MAZI NNAMDI KANU is not a terrorist. NDIGBO are not terrorists."
Lawyer Condemns Judicial Process
The legal representative expressed deep disappointment with the outcome, describing it as a setback for Nigeria's judicial system. "I feel very bad, I feel sad, it's a very bad day for the judiciary," Ejimakor stated, adding that "it is very bad for the criminal justice system in Nigeria."
Ejimakor highlighted what he considered unusual about the case, noting "This is the first time in my entire life as a lawyer that I have seen a man being convicted for mere words he uttered." His comments underscore the defense's position that the case revolves around freedom of expression rather than criminal activities.
The case continues to draw significant public attention as it moves to the appellate level, with many observers watching how Nigeria's judicial system will handle this politically sensitive matter in the coming months.
