The Federal High Court, Abuja, has sentenced the self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment after finding him guilty of terrorism charges brought by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Thursday, ruling that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt across all seven counts.

Under the judgment, the court held:

·         Counts 1, 4, 5 and 6: Life imprisonment (substituting the death penalty)

·         Count 3: 20 years imprisonment

·         Count 7: 5 years imprisonment

All sentences are to run concurrently, with no option of fine.

Justice Omotosho ordered that Kanu be detained in a secure facility and barred from using digital devices except under monitoring by the Office of the National Security Adviser. The judge also directed the confiscation of Kanu’s transmitter by the Federal Government.

The court ruled that the prosecution presented credible and unchallenged evidence showing that Kanu:

·         Issued threatening broadcasts ordering sit-at-home directives in the South-East

·         Encouraged attacks on security operatives

·         Incited violence leading to deaths and the destruction of police stations and other facilities

·         Made threats against international institutions, including the British High Commission and the U.S. Embassy

·         Belonged to IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), both proscribed groups

Justice Omotosho classified Kanu’s actions as domestic and international terrorism, citing threats to bomb diplomatic missions and kill the then British High Commissioner, Catriona Laing. The court also referenced broadcast transcripts where Kanu allegedly urged followers to ambush security forces, seize weapons, and attack infrastructure, including Murtala Muhammed Airport.

He stressed that Nigeria remains an indivisible state under the Constitution and that self-determination cannot be pursued through violence or terrorism.

Before the judgment was delivered, Kanu objected to the proceedings, claiming the court could not continue because he had not filed his final address. He shouted at the judge, saying:
“You don’t know the law… You cannot show me!”
Justice Omotosho ordered his removal from the courtroom and proceeded with the judgment in his absence.

Lead government counsel, Gboyega Awomolo (SAN), had argued for the death sentence, insisting that the families of slain security officers deserved justice.
A member of the House of Representatives, Obinna Aguocha, who represented Kanu in court, pleaded for leniency.

Meanwhile, Kanu’s legal consultant, Aloy Ejimakor, rejected the ruling, calling it a “travesty of justice”. He vowed to appeal, insisting the conviction was based on speech rather than any demonstrable violent action.
He declared: “By God Almighty, Nnamdi Kanu will not stand convicted.”

Since his 2015 arrest, Kanu’s case has remained one of Nigeria’s most contentious legal battles, marked by disputes over human rights, extradition, and due process. The latest ruling marks a new phase in a decade-long saga.