Nnamdi Kanu Sentenced to Life Imprisonment on Multiple Terrorism Counts

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment after finding him guilty on several terrorism-related charges brought by the Federal Government.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Thursday, marking one of the most consequential rulings in Nigeria’s recent legal history.

Kanu was convicted on all seven counts in the charge sheet, which ranged from leading a proscribed organisation to operating a terrorist network and inciting violent attacks in parts of the South-East.

While the prosecution had sought the death penalty for some of the offences, the judge opted for life imprisonment, citing considerations of mercy and international human-rights standards.

In the detailed sentencing, Justice Omotosho imposed life imprisonment on counts 1, 4, 5 and 6, which cover the gravest allegations tied to terrorism financing and coordinating violent acts. On count 3, Kanu received 20 years without the option of a fine, and on count 7, a further five years, also without an option of a fine. The court ruled that all the sentences will run concurrently, meaning the life term stands as the effective punishment.

The courtroom was tense as the ruling was read, with supporters and family members reacting emotionally to the outcome. Kanu, who has been in custody since his re-arrest and extradition to Nigeria in 2021, maintained a calm posture but showed visible resignation as the judge concluded the verdict.

Justice Omotosho noted that the court had weighed the severity of the offences alongside the defendant’s rights, ultimately choosing a punishment that reflects both the law and what he described as “the need for a balanced justice system.” He added that the case served as a reminder of the state’s responsibility to protect citizens from violent extremism while upholding constitutional guarantees.

The judgment effectively closes a prolonged chapter in Kanu’s high-profile trial, a case that has shaped political debate and heightened ethnic tensions across the country.

Legal experts expect the defence to pursue an appeal, potentially setting the stage for another long legal battle.

The Federal Government has yet to issue a formal statement on the ruling, but officials familiar with the prosecution described it as a “necessary affirmation of Nigeria’s stance against terrorism and secessionist violence.”