*As Igbo Community Association Abuja Condemns Conviction
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Former Senate President Senator Adolphus Wabara and several Igbo sociopolitical groups have strongly condemned the life imprisonment imposed on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court.
Reacting to the judgment, Senator Wabara described the ruling as a direct attack on the entire Igbo race. He said it was not only Kanu who had been sentenced but the Igbo people themselves. Wabara expressed shock that a Boko Haram commander received a five year sentence only a day earlier, while Kanu, whom he described as a non violent activist, was sentenced to life.
He insisted that Kanu is not a terrorist but a freedom agitator who has consistently spoken against injustice and marginalisation of the Igbo people. Wabara confirmed that the legal team would appeal the judgment and expressed confidence that either the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court would overturn it.
The Igbo Women Assembly, IWA, also rejected the verdict. The group described the ruling as pre written and unfair. Its National President, Lolo Nneka Chimezie, faulted the court for ignoring Kanu’s written submissions while proceeding to deliver the life sentence.
According to her, Kanu’s activism was focused on equity and justice for the Igbo nation. She argued that the treatment of IPOB members contrasts sharply with the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals associated with terrorism. She added that different sets of laws appear to apply to different ethnic groups in Nigeria.
Former Minister of Education and Health, Professor Ihechukwu Madubuike, expressed optimism that the appellate courts could upturn the decision. He noted that Kanu has ninety days to file an appeal.
Similarly, HRH Eze Philip Ajomuiwe, former Chairman of the Umuahia North Council of Traditional Rulers, described the judgment as a reflection of long standing anti Igbo sentiment in the country. He questioned why Kanu was convicted on counts on which he had previously secured relief at the Court of Appeal. He argued that Kanu’s calls for peaceful restructuring of Nigeria were legitimate and should not have attracted punitive measures.
Across the region, the reactions highlight deep concerns among Igbo leaders and civil society about perceived injustices within the judicial process and the implications for national cohesion.
The Igbo Community Association, Abuja, has also condemned the conviction and sentencing of Nnamdi Kanu. The group said the IPOB leader was not afforded a fair opportunity to defend himself during the proceedings.
President General of the association, Engr. Ikenna Ellis Ezenekwe, described the judgment as a setback for the judiciary and the administration of President Bola Tinubu. He warned that the ruling could disrupt the fragile peace achieved in the South East.
According to him, the judgment does not reflect fairness and could trigger unforeseen consequences for the country. He urged Nigerians and all patriots to speak against what he called the continued unlawful detention of Kanu.
Ellis Ezenekwe also drew comparisons with the treatment of Boko Haram combatants and other militants across the country, stressing that the disparity undermines national trust.
He appealed for calm in the South East, urging residents to remain law abiding while expressing confidence that justice would eventually be served.
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