After years of intense litigation, multiple arrests, international disputes, and several rulings across courts in Nigeria and abroad, the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday convicted the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, on terrorism charges.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the long-awaited judgment, sentencing Mazi Kanu to life imprisonment on four major counts relating to incitement and terrorism.
The judge also imposed 20 years on one count and five years on another, all without the option of fine. The sentences are to run concurrently.
The court ruled that the Federal Government had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, marking a pivotal moment in a trial that began a decade ago and has involved complex issues of national security, extradition, constitutional rights, and international law.
Below is a comprehensive timeline of the events that shaped the controversial case.
2015: The Arrest and Initial Charges
October 14
Nnamdi Kanu was arrested in Lagos by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). He was accused of terrorism, treasonable felony, and involvement in activities threatening Nigeria’s unity.
November 23
He was arraigned before an Abuja Magistrates’ Court for conspiracy, intimidation, and membership of an unlawful group. The matter was later transferred to the Federal High Court for trial on more serious charges, including treasonable felony.
2017: Bail, Fallout, and Disappearance
April 25
The Federal High Court granted Kanu bail on health grounds. He was required to provide a ₦100 million bond and comply with strict conditions, including refraining from public gatherings and media interviews.
April 28
He met the bail conditions and was released from Kuje Prison.
August
The Federal Government sought to revoke his bail, alleging that Kanu had breached nearly all his bail terms through public appearances and speeches.
September
During “Operation Python Dance,” soldiers raided his home in Umuahia, Abia State. Kanu subsequently disappeared.
His lawyers said he fled to escape assassination; the government said he jumped bail.
A bench warrant was then issued for his arrest.
2022: Debates Over Rendition
February 10
A sworn statement before a Kenyan court revealed that Kanu entered Kenya in May 2021 as a British citizen and had no officially recorded departure.
This supported claims by his legal team that he was abducted and unlawfully “rendered” to Nigeria.
2023: Supreme Court Intervenes
December 15
The Supreme Court overturned the Court of Appeal ruling that had previously discharged and acquitted him.
The apex court reinstated the terrorism charges and ordered the trial to continue at the Federal High Court.
2025: Full Resumption and Conviction
February 8
The Federal High Court ordered the DSS to produce Kanu for trial, reaffirming that he had been held continuously since June 2021.
March 21
The trial resumed before Justice James Omotosho.
Kanu was re-arraigned on a reduced list of seven terrorism-related counts, to which he pleaded not guilty.
June 24
A Kenyan High Court ruled that his 2021 arrest and transfer to Nigeria were unlawful and awarded damages to him.
September 22
Due to health concerns raised by his defence team, the court agreed to bring forward the hearing on his application for release or improved medical access.
September 26
The court mandated the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to empanel doctors to assess his health.
Despite a report certifying him medically fit, the court denied his request to be transferred to a hospital.
October 26
Proceedings were adjourned with a clear schedule for the defence to open its case in late October.
November 4
Justice Omotosho gave Kanu a final opportunity to present his defence or forfeit the right.
Kanu maintained his position of non-participation, insisting the court lacked jurisdiction.
November 7
The court fixed November 20 for judgment.
November 12
Kanu filed a fresh application at the Court of Appeal seeking to halt the trial before Justice Omotosho.
November 20
The Federal High Court delivered the landmark verdict:
Kanu was convicted on all seven counts, labelled a threat to national security, and sentenced to life imprisonment.
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