Video: Court sentences Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment with special custody orders
Nnamdi Kanu
Abdullateef Fowewe
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court has on Thursday sentenced Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment on multiple charges, while imposing special custody conditions and ordering the forfeiture of IPOB broadcasting equipment.
@dailyeconomy8 Video: Nnamdi Kanu convicted of terrorism, faces possible death sentence The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, convicted Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on charges of terrorism on Thursday. The conviction came after Kanu disrupted court proceedings and was escorted out by security officers. Justice Omotosho declared conviction on the first of seven terrorism-related counts against Kanu, who faces charges including incitement, leading a proscribed organisation, and acts threatening national security. Justice Omotosho ruled that Kanu’s declaration and enforcement of a “sit-at-home” order across Nigeria’s Southeast, accompanied by threats and violence, constituted a terrorist act under Section 16 of the Terrorism Prevention Act 2013. The judge stated, “This court holds that the prosecution has established count one beyond reasonable doubt,” further noting Kanu’s refusal to enter a defense and his removal due to “unruly behaviour.” The conviction on count one was followed by a similar ruling on count two, also carrying a possible punishment of death or life imprisonment. Kanu has been held by Nigeria’s Department of State Services since June 2021 after his extradition from Kenya under what his lawyers describe as “extraordinary rendition.” He has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that the charges lack legal basis. The court is yet to deliver judgement on the remaining five counts, all of which carry the same maximum penalty.
Kanu received life sentences on Counts 1, 4, 5, and 6, coupled with 20 years imprisonment on Count 3 and 5 years on Count 7.
All sentences will run concurrently, marking a severe judicial response to his actions.
Due to what the judge described as Kanu’s violent tendencies and atrocities, he will be held under special custody conditions.
Notably, Kanu is prohibited from being detained at Kuje Correctional Centre. Instead, he will be kept in protected custody under strict security arrangements with no access to any digital devices such as phones, laptops, or tablets.
Should any future access to digital tools be granted, it must receive express approval and direct supervision from the National Security Adviser (NSA).
In addition, the court permanently forfeited all transmitters and broadcasting equipment affiliated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) or Radio Biafra to the Federal Government of Nigeria, effectively shutting down their media operations.
Justice Omotosho before the judgment declared conviction on the first of seven terrorism-related counts against Kanu, who faces charges including incitement, leading a proscribed organisation, and acts threatening national security.
Justice Omotosho ruled that Kanu’s declaration and enforcement of a “sit-at-home” order across Nigeria’s Southeast, accompanied by threats and violence, constituted a terrorist act under Section 16 of the Terrorism Prevention Act 2013.
