In a landmark judgment that concludes a decade-long legal battle, the Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment on terrorism charges.
Court Delivers Maximum Sentences
Justice James Omotosho delivered the decisive verdict on Thursday, November 20, 2025, finding Kanu guilty on multiple counts of terrorism. The judge imposed life imprisonment for counts one, two, four, five, and six of the seven-count charge brought by the Department of State Services (DSS).
For count three, which involved belonging to a proscribed terrorist organization, Justice Omotosho sentenced Kanu to 20 years imprisonment without option of fine. On count seven, concerning the unlawful importation of a radio transmitter to advance Radio Biafra's activities, the court handed down a five-year prison term, also without fine option.
Judge Chooses Mercy Over Death Penalty
Justice Omotosho revealed that while the law permitted capital punishment for the terrorism offences, he opted for mercy based on Christian principles. "The court is minded to sentence the convict to death," the judge stated, but added, "I must temper justice with mercy."
The judge specifically referenced Chapter 23:22 and 23 of the Book of Matthew, explaining that his decision followed "the admonishment of Jesus Christ." He emphasized that "life is sacred to God" as justification for choosing life imprisonment over the death penalty.
Despite this mercy, Justice Omotosho strongly criticized Kanu's conduct throughout the trial, noting the defendant had shown "no remorse" and carried himself with "cockiness and arrogance."
Violent Rhetoric and Prosecution Evidence
The judgment detailed numerous inflammatory statements made by Kanu during broadcasts and public appearances. Evidence presented included interviews where Kanu referred to Nigeria as a "zoo" and threatened that "nothing will be living" in the country unless Biafra was granted.
During the Igbo World Congress in the United States, Kanu allegedly declared: "There will be a blood boom. America will give us guns and bullets. We are ready to perish unless they give us Biafra."
Prosecuting lawyer Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) informed the court that over 75 security personnel had lost their lives due to terrorism activities linked to Kanu and his followers, with numerous other civilians killed and public property destroyed.
Long Legal Journey Concludes
The case against Kanu dates back to 2015 and has seen numerous legal twists. The trial was interrupted for approximately three years following Kanu's disappearance from Nigeria after soldiers attacked his Abia State home in September 2017.
In October 2022, the Court of Appeal struck out the charges, declaring Kanu's "extraordinary rendition" from Kenya unlawful. However, the Supreme Court overturned this decision in December 2023, acknowledging the illegal arrest but ruling that it didn't prevent trial proceedings.
The case moved through several judges, including Justice Binta Nyako, before being reassigned to Justice James Omotosho in March 2024.
Justice Omotosho ordered that Kanu be kept in protective custody anywhere in Nigeria except Kuje prison in Abuja, and that the radio transmitter be forfeited to the Federal Government.
