A Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice James Omotosho the evening of Thursday, sentenced the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment over terrorism.
Justice Omotosho sentenced Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment on count 1, 2, 4,5, 6 instead of death sentence.
In count 3- sentenced to 20years imprisonment and in count 7- sentenced to 5 years.
Justice Omotosho, who said the sentencing will run concurrently, added that Kanu must be kept in a facility that will be suitable for his custody, as putting him in Kuje Correctional Center will not be viable.
Kanu’s trial has been one of Nigeria’s most talked about legal battles in recent years. He was first arrested in 2015 and charged with treasonable felony and terrorism, but the case has since taken numerous turns.
In 2017, Kanu fled the country while out on bail, following a military operation at his residence during the time of “Operation Python Dance” In the South-East.
In June 2021, he was arrested in Kenya under contentious circumstances and brought back to Nigeria, a move his legal team and IPOB describe as an “extraordinary rendition.
Upon his return, the charges were expanded to 15 counts, including terrorism and incitement to violence.
Kanu’s defense has repeatedly challenged the trial’s legitimacy. They argue that fundamental legal and procedural errors, including possible violations of international extradition law and jurisdictional rules, undermine the prosecution’s case.
