THUR NOV 20 2025-theGBJournal| The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has been sentenced to life imprisonment by an Abuja Federal High Court, presided by Justice James Omotosho, after he was convicted on seven counts of engaging in terrorism act today, effectively bringing to a close the near 5-year trial of Kanu.
In reading his sentence, monitored by the G&BJournal in Lagos, Justice Omotosho cited the Holy Bible (Book of Mathew Chapter22-23 verse 23) as well as the global outrage against death sentences and the appeal made by a member of the House of Representatives from Kanu’s constituency, noting that the ”convict has not shown any remorse for his actions,” but said the court will follow the biblical admonition and show mercy to the convict and not sentence him to death.
According to Justice Omotosho, Kanu remained arrogant, cocky and full of himself without realizing the magnitude of his crime through out the trial.
”The convict has not started well, he has caused delays severally, and also his unruly behavior from the beginning, even today is noticed. However, this court did not consider that in sentencing him,” Justice Omotosho said, before he began reading the court’s decision.
”This court is only being merciful to him because we have to be merciful as enjoined by our Lord Jesus Christ.”
He went on to sentence Nnamdi Kanu to Life Imprisonment for counts 1, 4, 5 and 6, instead of the heavy death sentence.
”With respect to count 3, he is hereby sentenced to 20 years imprisonment without option of fine,
”For count 7, he is sentenced to five years imprisonment without option of fine.
”To extend the mercy, I hereby order that the sentence shall run concurrently and due to the nature of the offences that borders on terrorism and the attitude of the defendant that I have taken judicial notice of, I have no hesitation in coming to the conclusion that the convict has the tendency of violence.
”It is based on this that, he must be kept in a facility that is suitable for his custody, as putting him in Kuje Correctional Centre may not be appropriate,” Justice Omotosho said while he read the sentencing.
Justice Omotosho equally said that, ”without hesitation,” and in agreement with the Counsel to the Prosecution, that the convict (Kanu) must not be allowed near any digital device, and if he must, he must be closely monitored by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
He also noted the ”atrocities, the number of killings and the effect of the act of the convict on the people of South East Nigeria,” and ordered the convict to be put in ”protective custody” in any Custodial Centre in any part of the country.
On the object of crime in respect of count 7 that has to do with the ”Transmitter”, Justice Omotosho ordered that the Transmitter be forfeited to the Federal Government.
The Judge subsequently adjourned the case and noted that he expects the judgment of the High Court will be appealed.
”And if there is no appeal, an application maybe be brought for necessary consequential order,” Justice Omotosho said in concluding his sentencing.
X-@theGBJournal|Facebook-the Government and Business Journal|email:gbj@govbusinessjournal.com|govandbusinessj@gmail.com
