Nnamdi Kanu, 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, following conviction on terrorism charges linked to his separatist movement and broadcast activities. Kanu’s prosecution, which spanned a decade and multiple judges, saw the court reject calls for the death penalty but hand down four life terms alongside additional sentences, all to run concurrently.
The charges stemmed from Kanu’s campaign for Biafran independence and his directives that authorities said incited violence against security personnel and civilians in southeast Nigeria, as well as attacks during anti-police demonstrations in Lagos. Justice Omotosho cited “lack of remorse” and said the offences merited capital punishment but, noting global opposition to the death penalty, exercised mercy by imposing life imprisonment.
Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, condemned the verdict, arguing that the Nigerian system was fundamentally stacked against his client from the outset. Ejimakor highlighted alleged procedural irregularities, Kanu’s controversial arrest and extradition, and exclusion of key defense arguments. He described the judgment as politically motivated and signaled plans to appeal all the way to the Supreme Court.
IPOB rejected the verdict, insisting that peaceful agitation for self-determination is not a crime and calling the court’s decision unconstitutional. The high-profile case continues to trigger national and international debate over legal process, political freedoms, and Nigeria’s approach to dissent.