JUST IN: Court Sentences Nnamdi Kanu To Life Imprisonment, Cites International Concerns Over Death Penalty

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Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court Abuja on Wednesday sentenced leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment after condemning what it described as his “atrocious” actions.

The judge also noted international objections to giving Kanu the death penalty.
The judge said that although Kanu had shown no remorse and continued to display violent, unruly behaviour, the court was compelled to temper justice with mercy.

In a ruling that combined stern criticism with religious reflection, the court emphasized that mercy is a central tenet of both justice and faith.

Quoting Matthew 23:23, the judge stressed the weightier matters of “judgment, mercy, and faith,” adding that “life is sacred to God.”

Despite describing Kanu as “arrogant, cocky, and full of himself” and expressing concern over what the court called his persistent “tendency of violence,” the judge said the decision to forgo the death penalty was informed by shifting global norms.

Consequently, Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on counts 1, 4, 5, and 6. For count 7, the court imposed a 20-year prison term without the option of a fine, and an additional 5-year term without the option of a fine on another count.

All sentences are to run concurrently.

The court noted that the offences bordered on terrorism and that Kanu’s behaviour — even during proceedings — reinforced its conclusion about his propensity for violence.

His conduct on the morning of the sentencing, according to the judge, included “expressing violence” and nearly assaulting security officers.

While delivering the verdict, the judge reiterated that although the defendant’s behavior was condemnable, justice must be dispensed with a measure of mercy.

SaharaReporters had reported that the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday convicted the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on count one of the charges against him after holding that Kanu did not enter a defence or offer any explanation to counter the prosecution’s evidence.

Delivering the ruling, Justice James Omotosho had stated that the prosecution’s case stood unchallenged following Kanu’s refusal to properly present a defence and his removal from the courtroom earlier in the day over repeated unruly behaviour.

“This court, therefore, holds that the prosecution has established count one beyond reasonable doubt,” the judge declared.

“Consequently, the defendant is hereby convicted in respect of count one.”

SaharaReporters earlier reported that Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered that proceedings — including the delivery of judgment — would continue in the absence of Nnamdi Kanu, citing the IPOB leader’s persistent “unruly behaviour” in the courtroom.

The Court also convicted the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on all counts of charges levelled against him, including the count two of the terrorism charges filed against him, ruling that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

The offence, under Section 16 of the Terrorism Prevention Act 2013, carries a punishment of death or life imprisonment upon conviction.

In his judgment, Justice James Omotosho held that Kanu’s declaration of a “sit-at-home” order across the Southeast —accompanied by threats and enforced through violence — amounted to a terrorist act.

SAHARA REPORTERS