Nnamdi Kanu sentenced to life imprisonment

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By Madu Obi

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court has sentenced the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment.

Kanu has been facing trial in a seven count charge for the past four years after he was brought back to Nigeria from Kenya.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Omorosho noted that the gravity of Kanu’s offences ordinarily warranted the death penalty, adding however, that in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ on love and mercy, and given that death sentences are no longer fashionable globally, the court opted to show leniency by imposing a life sentence instead.

According to the judge, several broadcasts made by Kanu through Radio Biafra amounted to acts of terrorism, adding that his rhetoric and intentions were anchored on violence.

The court further held that Kanu’s sit-at-home directives in the South-East constituted terrorist activity, as they infringed on the freedom of movement of residents.

The judge noted that evidence before the court showed that Kanu engaged in preparatory acts of terrorism through broadcasts in which he allegedly ordered the killing of police and military personnel and consequently found the IPOB leader guilty of committing acts of terrorism against the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He subsequently convicted him on all the seven counts, despite his plea of not guilty.

The judgment was delivered in Kanu’s absence after he insisted that the court would not proceed with the terrorism case filed against him by the Federal Government.

Following a heated exchange, the judge ordered security operatives to remove him from the courtroom for what was described as “unruly behaviour.”