Federal High Court Jails Nnamdi Kanu for Life as Justice Omotosho Condemns “Grave Actions”
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday handed a life imprisonment sentence to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, after condemning what the court described as his “grave and deeply troubling actions.”
PulseNets learnt that the court acknowledged strong international reservations about imposing the death penalty, even as Justice Omotosho faulted Kanu’s conduct throughout the protracted trial.
According to the judge, while Kanu exhibited “no hint of remorse” and maintained what the court viewed as violent, erratic posturing, the judiciary was nonetheless bound to balance punishment with mercy in line with global judicial standards.
In a judgment that blended stern legal reasoning with spiritual reflection, Justice Omotosho underscored that mercy remains an essential pillar of justice. Citing Matthew 23:23, he emphasised the weightier matters of “justice, mercy, and faith,” remarking that “human life carries sacred value before God.”
Although he described Kanu as “defiant, overconfident, and excessively self-assured,” and criticised what he called the defendant’s persistent “leanings toward violence,” the judge said opting against capital punishment aligned with evolving global legal norms.
Consequently, Kanu received a life sentence on counts 1, 4, 5, and 6. For count 7, the court imposed a 20-year term without the option of a fine, alongside an additional 5-year sentence without a fine on another count. All sentences will run concurrently.
The court stressed that the offences were terrorism-related and that Kanu’s behaviour—especially within the courtroom—reinforced its conclusion about his inclination toward violence. Justice Omotosho stated that Kanu’s conduct on the morning of the sentencing included “violent expressions” and an attempt to attack security personnel.
Delivering the final pronouncement, the judge maintained that despite the severity of the offences, “justice must always walk hand in hand with measured mercy.”
PulseNets obtained by earlier reports that the Federal High Court had on Monday convicted Kanu on count one after holding that he presented no defence or explanation to counter the prosecution’s evidence. Justice Omotosho ruled that the prosecution’s arguments stood unchallenged following Kanu’s refusal to properly defend himself and his removal from the courtroom for repeated disorderly conduct.
“This court finds that the prosecution has proven count one beyond reasonable doubt,” the judge declared.
“The defendant is therefore convicted on count one.”
PulseNets had also reported that the court ordered proceedings — including the delivery of judgment — to continue without the IPOB leader present, following what the judge described as Kanu’s persistent “disruptive and unacceptable behaviour.”
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The court went on to convict Kanu on all counts, including the terrorism charge under Section 16 of the Terrorism Prevention Act 2013, which prescribes either death or life imprisonment upon conviction. Justice Omotosho held that Kanu’s declaration of a “sit-at-home” directive across the Southeast — enforced through threats and violence — amounted to a clear act of terrorism.
