Nnamdi Kanu Sentenced to Life Imprisonment After Terrorism Conviction

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life in prison after finding him guilty on seven counts of terrorism.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Tuesday, ruling that the Department of State Services (DSS) had provided “credible and compelling” evidence linking Kanu to acts of terrorism. The court noted that the defendant chose not to present a defence and instead rested his case entirely on the prosecution’s evidence, a decision the judge said left the court with no alternative but to convict.

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho criticised the violent methods attributed to IPOB under Kanu’s leadership, stating that the pursuit of a separate Biafran state through such means amounted to terrorism.

Before sentencing, lead prosecutor Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) urged the court to impose the maximum penalty permitted under counts 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6, citing the severity of the offences. Awomolo said he was “surprised and disappointed” that Kanu showed no remorse throughout the trial, describing his conduct as consistently unruly.

The judgment marks one of the most significant rulings yet in the federal government’s long-running case against the separatist leader. The defence team is expected to announce its next steps following the conviction.