Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court has handed down a life sentence to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, bringing an end to a legal battle that has stretched for ten years.
The ruling, delivered on Thursday, comes four years after Kanu was seized in Kenya under controversial circumstances and returned to Nigeria to face a seven-count terrorism charge.
Kanu was not present for the final judgment. He had insisted the court would not proceed with the case, prompting a scene in the courtroom. Justice Omotosho ordered security operatives to remove him for what he described as “unruly behaviour.”
In the judgment, the court held that the IPOB leader broadcasts on Radio Biafra amounted to terrorism. Justice Omotosho ruled that his messages promoted violence, noting that the IPOB leader issued directives encouraging attacks on security personnel.
The judge further declared that his call for sit-at-home compliance across the South-East also constituted terrorism. He said the order violated citizens’ fundamental right to free movement and that he had no lawful authority to issue such directives.
According to the judge, the evidence presented showed that Kanu engaged in “preparatory terrorism” through his broadcasts, during which he “ordered the killing of police officers and military officers.”
Justice Omotosho held that the IPOB leader was guilty on all seven charges filed by the Federal Government, despite Kanu’s plea of not guilty.
