The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment, following his conviction on multiple terrorism-related charges.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the sentence on Thursday after briefly stepping out for recess earlier in the day. The judge ruled that the gravity of the offences under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act left the court with only one lawful option the death penalty but said he was choosing to temper justice with mercy.
“Life is sacred to God, so despite I am not persuaded, I must temper justice with mercy. The terms are to run concurrently,” Justice Omotosho stated while pronouncing the sentence.
Breakdown of the Sentencing
Kanu was sentenced as follows:
- Counts 1, 4, 5, and 6: Life imprisonment (in place of a death sentence)
- Count 3: 20 years imprisonment without an option of fine
- Count 7: 5 years imprisonment without an option of fine
All sentences are to run concurrently.
Custody Conditions: Not Kuje Prison
The court ruled that Nnamdi Kanu must not be taken to Kuje Correctional Centre, citing security concerns and previous jailbreaks.
Justice Omotosho ordered that:
- Kanu should be kept in a secure correctional facility anywhere in the country, provided it is suitable for high-risk custody.
- He must not have access to any digital device.
- If access to a device becomes necessary, it must be strictly monitored by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
- His transmitter and related devices are to be surrendered to the federal government.
The prosecution had earlier insisted that Kuje Prison was unsuitable due to repeated security breaches.
Background
This latest ruling marks one of the most consequential judgments in the long-standing legal battle involving the IPOB leader, who has faced multiple charges tied to alleged terrorism, incitement, and national security threats.
