The Federal High Court has sentenced the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment after finding him guilty on all seven terrorism-related charges brought against him.
Delivering judgment, Justice James Omotosho ruled that Kanu’s Radio Biafra broadcasts and his directives enforcing sit-at-home orders across the South-East amounted to acts of terrorism, noting that they targeted security agents and infringed on the rights and freedoms of citizens.
Kanu, who had earlier insisted that the judgment should not proceed in his absence, was not present in court during the ruling.
Sentences Delivered by the Court
Justice Omotosho imposed the following penalties:
Life imprisonment on Counts 1, 4, 5 and 6
20 years imprisonment on Count 3 (without option of fine)
5 years imprisonment on Count 7 (without option of fine)
All sentences are to run concurrently.
Special Custodial Directives
Citing what he described as Kanu’s “violent tendencies and atrocities,” the judge ordered that:
Kanu must not be detained at Kuje Correctional Centre
He should be placed in protective custody under strict security (specific location not disclosed)
He is barred from using or accessing any digital device — including phones, laptops or tablets
Any future access to a digital device can only be granted with explicit approval and direct supervision of the National Security Adviser (NSA)
Forfeiture Orders
The court also ordered the permanent forfeiture of all transmitters and broadcasting equipment belonging to IPOB or used for Radio Biafra operations to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
