JUSTICE OMOTOSHO SENTENCES NNAMDI KANU TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Today Thursday 30th November, 2025 sentenced the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment after convicting him on all seven terrorism-related charges. Presiding judge Justice James Omotosho ruled that Kanu’s actions — including enforcing sit-at-home orders and issuing incendiary broadcasts — fell squarely under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act.
Tension rose in the courtroom as Kanu was removed for what officials described as unruly behaviour while the judgment was being read. Justice Omotosho noted that Kanu’s refusal to defend himself or present evidence amounted to abandoning his own defence, leaving the court to rely solely on the prosecution’s submissions.
Prosecutors had urged the court to impose the death penalty, insisting that several of the counts carried mandatory capital punishment under Nigerian law. However, Justice Omotosho opted for a life sentence, explaining that although the offences were grave, the court had exercised discretion in favour of maximum leniency.
