Sowore Accuses FG of Concealing Details in Nnamdi Kanu Case, Alleges Planned Death Sentence

Human rights advocate and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has launched fresh criticism against the Federal Government, alleging that authorities attempted to hide key details surrounding the trial and continued detention of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Speaking during an interview on Symfoni, Sowore claimed that Kanu was originally slated to receive a death sentence on November 10, but the judgment was reportedly altered when the date coincided with another planned execution.

He alleged that the trial judge appeared unsettled during the ruling, suggesting the verdict may not have been personally prepared by the judge.

According to Sowore, “He struggled to read the judgment, mispronounced several names, and looked visibly strained. Even during the break, what he held was still a draft of the death sentence.”

He also stated that Kanu was transferred to Sokoto Prison a day after the judgment—a move he described as unusually swift and intended to send a political signal.

Sowore further alleged that the government spent as much as $10 million to secure Kanu’s extradition from Kenya, yet has been unable to apprehend well-known terrorist leaders operating within Nigeria. He referenced notorious bandit kingpins, insisting that local hunters would quickly locate them if authorities genuinely wanted results.

In his words, “They are not searching because there is collaboration. The biggest terrorist organisation in this country is the government.”

The activist also shared that his passion for advocacy began at the age of 10 after security forces invaded his hometown in Ondo State in 1980. He said the experience shaped his lifelong commitment to challenging oppression, a resolve he carried through his school years and into national activism. On whether he fears for his life, Sowore said he no longer does, stressing that fear should not deter people from speaking out. “Death is inevitable whether you fear it or not,” he said.

Sowore also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, particularly the rise in mass abductions of schoolchildren. He alleged that kidnappers often rely on intelligence leaked from security operatives and that communities sometimes receive advance warnings of impending attacks.

He maintained his long-standing position that the current Inspector General of Police (IGP) lacks legal standing to remain in office after retirement. According to him, the Police Act is explicit on the 35-year service limit. “The law is unambiguous. Once you retire, you are no longer a police officer,” he argued, dismissing legislative attempts to amend the law retroactively.

Sowore added that he turned down repeated requests from security agencies to retract or apologise for his remarks.

“If I truly regretted anything I said, I would not choose court cases over deleting a post,” he stated.