Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad has launched a strong criticism against Peter Obi, the Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, for his reaction to the life imprisonment sentence handed to Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The Court Judgment and Political Reactions
The Federal High Court in Abuja delivered its verdict on Thursday, November 20, 2025, sentencing Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment for his role in the terror activities of the secessionist group. The judgment came after extensive legal proceedings that revealed shocking details about Kanu's operations.
Peter Obi, former Anambra State governor, described the court's decision as "unfortunate" and characterized Kanu's arrest, detention, and conviction as evidence of leadership failure in Nigeria. Obi argued that the government failed to understand the underlying issues that led to the situation.
Bashir Ahmad's Strong Rebuttal
Bashir Ahmad, who previously served as an aide to late President Muhammadu Buhari, immediately countered Obi's position. Ahmad asserted that Kanu was not the mere agitator that Obi was attempting to portray him as, emphasizing that the court had properly tried and convicted him based on substantial evidence.
The former presidential aide detailed several confessions and admissions that emerged during Kanu's trial, including:
- Founding and funding the Eastern Security Network (ESN)
- Issuing sit-at-home orders and threatening those who disobeyed in southeast Nigeria
- Burying Ikonso "with 2,000 human heads, of which 30 were procured by his followers"
- Establishing Radio Biafra without a license to broadcast the terror group's activities
Revealing Court Findings
According to Ahmad's statements, the court documented even more disturbing findings during the trial. The judge noted that some IPOB/ESN members were captured by Nigerian security forces while consuming human flesh, claiming it was for spiritual fortification purposes.
The court also established that Kanu's incitement directly led to the deaths of 128 police officers and the burning of 167 police stations across the country. Additionally, his outbursts resulted in the death of over 30 Nigerian Army personnel.
One particularly notable statement by Kanu - "people will die, & the world will stand still!" - was ruled by the court to constitute a terrorist act.
The IPOB and its security wing, ESN, have been responsible for numerous attacks throughout Nigeria's five southeastern states, targeting prominent citizens including the husband of the late Dora Akunyili. The group has also been implicated in the killing of security personnel, destruction of police stations, and attacks on INEC offices throughout the region.
Despite these documented activities, Peter Obi has consistently described IPOB as "mere agitators seeking freedom," a characterization that Bashir Ahmad strongly challenged in his response.
