The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment after finding him guilty of several terrorism-related offences.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho held that the prosecution had successfully established its case against Kanu across multiple counts.
Although some of the offences carry the death penalty under Nigerian law, the judge said the court had opted for a life term instead.
Justice Omotosho imposed life imprisonment on counts one, four, five and six, which covered the most serious allegations, including directing terrorist activities and membership of a proscribed organisation.
For count three, the court ordered a 20-year custodial sentence with no option of fine.
On count seven, Kanu received an additional five-year sentence, also without the possibility of a fine.
The judge, however, ruled that all the sentences would run concurrently, meaning Kanu would serve them at the same time rather than one after another.
According to the court, this decision was taken “in the interest of justice and mercy.”
In pronouncing the ruling, Justice Omotosho explained that while the law allows for harsher punishment, particularly the death penalty, the court had chosen life imprisonment as a balanced response to the gravity of the offences.
“I hereby sentence the defendant to life imprisonment for counts one, four, five and six,” the judge said, adding that the concurrent arrangement reflected the court’s discretion to temper justice with mercy.
Kanu has faced trial for several years over allegations ranging from incitement to terrorism.
His arrest and subsequent detention have been subjects of nationwide debate, drawing local and international attention.
The latest judgment marks a significant development in his long-running legal battle with the Nigerian government.
Further updates are expected as parties respond to the verdict and consider possible appeals.
