Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja has on Thursday sentenced the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment over terrorism offences.
The court handed down the sentence following his conviction on all counts charge filed against him by the Federal Government.
Delivering judgement, Justice Omotosho said that the convict (Nnamdi Kanu) is sentenced to life imprisonment for counts 1, 4, 5 and 6, instead of death sentence.
While the court also sentenced him to 20 years imprisonment without no option of fine in respect to Count 3 and was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment without no option of fine in respect of Count 7.
According to the judge, “To extend the mercy, I hereby order that the sentence shall run concurrently., the court ruled.
The court said in its judgement, “And due to the nature of the terrorism offences and his attitude, violent nature of the defendant, that I have taken judicial notice, he last adjourned it, he was so unruly and expressed violence, even he was about to beat the security officers here.
“This morning, he repeated the same, that has been his trait, his attitude.
“So I have no hesitation in coming to the conclusion that the convict has a tendency of violence. The tendency of violence has not left him. It is based on this that he must be kept in a facility that is suitable for his custody, as putting him in a Kuje correctional centre will not be appropriate.
“And also, I take judicial notice of the conclusion of the judgment and from the exhibits that I have analysed in my judgment. Sub-socially, the convict made use of computer devices, like phones, in making broadcasts to his site and calling for all these atrocities. It is based on that, that without hesitation, I agree with the counsel of the prosecution that the convict must not be allowed near any digital device and if he must, he must be closely monitored by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
“And also with the atrocities, the number of killings and the effects of the acts of the convict on the people of South-East, I think he deserves protective custody. Due to these offences, I heard that the convicts are kept in protective custody in any custodial centre in any part of the country.
“And also, the object of crime in respect of count 7 that has to do with the transmitter, the transmitter is hereby forfeited to the federal government.
“And regarding other exhibits which pertain to terrorism offences, if at the expiration of the 90 days, the statutory time for Appeal, if there is no appeal, an application will be brought for the necessary consequential order.”
Breaking Down the Terrorism Act Offences
Count 1: Broadcasting Threats of Terrorism Offences
Committing an act of terrorism against FRN by making broadcast by threatening that people will die and the world will be at a standstill.
Mr Kanu knew what he was doing, he was bent on carrying out these threats without consideration to his own people.
From the incontroverted evidence, it is clear that the defendant carried out a preparatory act of terrorism.
He had the duty to explain himself, but failed to do so.
Count 2: Enforcing Unlawful Sit-at-Home Orders
The defendant is carrying out threats to anyone who fails to obey at home order in the south-eastern state of Nigeria
Evidence by the prosecution shows that the defendant issued these threats.
It is an unconstitutional act ordering a sit at home, which violates the rights of other citizens.
The declaration, without any constitutional powers, is a terrorist act
Count 3: Leading a Proscribed Group
Belonging to a proscribed organisation
Evidence by the prosecution showed that Mr Kanu was not only a member but the leader of the IPOB, a proscribed group.
In several broadcasts, Mr Kanu admitted to being a member of IPOB
There is nothing before this court to prove otherwise
He also belongs to the ESN which is the armed wing of IPOB
Section 122 of the evidence act, in view of an order made by Justice Binta Nyako in a case between the AGF Vs IPOB in which the declares the activities of IPOB illegal and the group a terrorist organization
The gazetted judgment was tendered by the prosecution
Counts 4 and 5: Inciting Attacks on Security Forces
Inciting the killing of security personnel
Provoking unlawful behavior by calling for attacks on police officers and their families is tantamount to acts of terrorism.
Over 128 police officers were killed, military officers 37 other security officers 10.
INEC buildings as well as police stations were burnt down, which shows the extent of Mr Kanu’s incitement
During the ENDSARS protest the incitement of Mr Kanu contributed to the damage done during the protest
Kanu turned himself to a Tyrant
Court Names Nnamdi Kanu International Terrorist
Count 6: Ordering Bomb-Making
Kanu broadcast calls for IPOB members to make bombs and explosives, urging chemistry graduates to produce Molotov cocktails via Radio Biafra. This direct terrorism act extended to plots against the American Embassy and British High Commissioner Catriona Laing, cementing his international terrorist status.
This verdict in the terrorism offences saga underscores Nigeria’s firm stance against separatism and violence. As appeals loom, the nation watches closely—what’s next for Kanu and the IPOB movement?
