A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment after convicting him on seven counts of terrorism, a verdict that has been condemned by Igbo leaders who are now seeking a political solution for his release.
In a dramatic seven-hour proceeding, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment after finding him guilty on all seven counts of terrorism, which included his secessionist agitations, belonging to a proscribed group, and inciting violence through broadcasts.
The sentencing followed a chaotic scene where Kanu was removed from the courtroom for being “unruly” after he interrupted the judge, accusing him of bias. While the judge noted that the offences could carry the death penalty, he stated he was “tempering justice with mercy” as a Christian and imposed concurrent sentences of life imprisonment for the major counts.
In response, Igbo leaders, including Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu, immediately called for calm and pledged to pursue a political solution with President Bola Tinubu to secure Kanu’s release, while Kanu’s legal consultant announced plans to appeal the “travesty of justice.”
“All hope is not lost: Political solution is underway to secure Kanu’s release.” – Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ben Kalu
“From here, we are heading to the Court of Appeal… But by God Almighty, Nnamdi Kanu is not going to stand convicted; it is going to get overturned.” – Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu’s Legal Consultant
“It is another black day for the Ndigbo, and it is a rape on democracy and a rape of freedom of speech. It is an invitation for disintegration because I believe the judge was just working on a script given to him.” – Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, immediate past Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo
“This conviction is not in line with the spirit of brotherliness that was extended to the Boko Haram combatants and to other combatants around the country.” – Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, President-General of the Igbo Community Association in Abuja