“Life Imprisonment On 5 Counts, 20 Years On 1, 5 Years On Remaining Count” — Court Sentences Nnamdi Kanu, All Terms To Run Concurrently [Judgment]”

The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted Nnamdi Kanu, the fiery leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on all seven counts of terrorism-related charges. Presiding Judge Hon. Justice J.K. Omotosho delivered the judgment today, sentencing Kanu to life imprisonment on five counts, 20 years on another, and five years on the remaining charge all to run concurrently.

Kanu, a male adult from Afaraukwu Ibeku in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, faced arraignment under Case No. FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015. The charges, spanning activities from 2015 to 2021, accused him of spearheading acts of terrorism against the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its people through broadcasts received and heard within the court’s jurisdiction.

The Charges: A Web of Incitement and Disruption

The prosecution laid out a meticulous case, detailing Kanu’s alleged role in IPOB—a group officially proscribed as a terrorist organization under the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013. The counts included:

• Count 1: In 2021, Kanu committed an act in furtherance of terrorism by being a member and leader of IPOB, punishable under Section 2(3) of the Act.
• Count 2: Issuing a deadly “sit-at-home” order in 2021, threatening violence against non-compliant banks, schools, markets, shopping malls, and fuel stations in Eastern States, grounding businesses and vehicular movements—violating Section 1(2)(b).
• Count 3: Professing membership and leadership of IPOB on diverse dates between 2018 and 2021, contrary to Section 16.
• Count 4: Inciting the public to hunt and kill Nigerian security personnel between 2018 and 2021, under Section 1(2)(h).
• Count 5: Extending incitement to hunt and kill families of Nigerian security personnel, also under Section 1(2)(h).
• Count 6: Directing IPOB members to manufacture bombs between 2018 and 2021, punishable under Section 1(2)(f).
• Count 7: Illegally importing a radio transmitter (concealed in household items) into Nigeria between March and April 2015 for unauthorized broadcasting in Ubuluzor, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, contrary to Section 47(2)(a) of the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C45, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

These broadcasts, the court heard, were designed to intimidate the population, incite violence, and disrupt daily life across the Eastern States, with threats that “the whole world will stand still” for non-compliance.

The prosecution, led by a formidable team including Adegboyega Awomolo SAN, Suraj Sa’eda SAN, and others, discharged its burden by calling five witnesses (PW1 to PW5) and tendering over 30 exhibits, all admitted by the court without contest.

PW1, Mr. AAA from the Department of State Services, recounted Kanu’s 2015 arrest at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Lagos. Officers, acting on intelligence, raided Room 303 after a room-to-room search, recovering broadcasting equipment like microphones, tripods, earphones, transmitters, mixers, and cords—hallmarks of an illicit studio setup. Kanu, initially resistant and headbutting an officer, was subdued and confessed to founding and leading IPOB, as well as operating the unregistered Radio Biafra to broadcast secessionist propaganda worldwide.

His confessional statement, dated October 15, 2015, and video-recorded interview, detailed how he agitated for Biafran secession from Nigeria’s South-East and South-South states, plus Benue and Kogi, inciting followers to violence. A second statement from July 17, 2021, further corroborated his role.

Supporting evidence included:

• Search warrants and reports from October 28, 2015 (Exhibit PWT).
• The seized radio transmitter (Exhibit PWU) and its container (Exhibit PWY).
• Audio discs of interviews and compliance certificates (Exhibits PWB, PWB1, PWG, PWH, PWH1).
• Official Gazette proscribing IPOB (Exhibit PWJ).
• Medical reports on victims like Lt. Ahmed Gulak (Exhibit PWK).
• Judgments from related cases, including HIN/FR/2021 (Exhibit PWL) and FHC/UM/CS/30/2022 (Exhibit PWM).
• Flash drives with inciting content (Exhibits PWP, PWP1) and a disc of a Sahara Reporters interview (Exhibit PWS).
• Reports on EndSARS damages linked to IPOB (Exhibit PWO) and death certificates of security officers (Exhibit PWDA).

PW2 to PW5 provided corroborative testimony on arrests, statements, and the broader impact, including disruptions from sit-at-home orders and bomb-making directives. The court noted Kanu’s broadcasts caused widespread destruction in the South-East, threatening both government and civilians—predominantly his own Christian supporters.

Kanu, representing himself, claimed his actions were legitimate agitation for Biafran self-determination. However, Justice Omotosho described his demeanor as “unruly and arrogant,” dismissing the claims as unsubstantiated and harmful. No witnesses were called for the defense, leaving the prosecution’s narrative unchallenged.

The judge praised the prosecution witnesses as “consistent, calm, and credible” under cross-examination, emphasizing that the evidence proved IPOB’s terrorist designation and Kanu’s pivotal role beyond reasonable doubt. “Corroboration via statements and broadcasts confirms the charges; no technical need for direct eyewitnesses,” the ruling stated.

In pronouncing the verdict, Justice Omotosho imposed concurrent sentences effective immediately:

• Life imprisonment on Counts 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6.
• 20 years imprisonment (no fine option) on Count 3.
• 5 years imprisonment (no fine option) on Count 7.

Kanu will serve in protective custody at any Nigerian custodial center, with strict monitoring by the National Security Adviser. Access to digital devices is banned, and the seized transmitter and equipment are forfeited to the Federal Government. Other exhibits face disposal after a 90-day appeal window.

As Kanu’s supporters reel, the ruling arrives amid ongoing tensions in the South-East, where IPOB’s influence has paralyzed economies through enforced shutdowns. Legal experts anticipate appeals, but for now, the gavel has fallen decisively.

The prosecution team hailed the outcome as a milestone, while Kanu remained stoic in court.

Click here to download full details of the 144-page judgment.

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