The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment.
The presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, handed down the sentence on counts one, two, four, five, and six, opting for life imprisonment instead of the death penalty.
The judge also handed Kanu a 20-year jail term on count three, with no option of fine, and a five-year jail term on count seven, with no option of fine.
Justice Omotosho delivered the judgment after convicting Kanu on all seven counts of terrorism offences
The seven counts against Kanu relate to his secessionist agitations, acts of terrorism, membership of a proscribed group, killing of security operatives, destruction of public property, concealment, and the importation of an unregistered radio transmitter.
For count three, concerning his membership of a proscribed terrorist group, Justice James Omotosho sentenced Kanu to 20 years’ imprisonment without an option of fine.
On count seven, which involved the unlawful importation of a radio transmitter for the purpose of broadcasting activities via Radio Biafra, Justice Omotosho sentenced him to five years’ imprisonment without an option of fine.
The judge noted that Kanu’s statements threatening violence, including directives for sit-at-home orders in the South-East, constituted acts of terrorism under Nigerian law.
“A person who is found guilty of the offence may receive the maximum penalty of death,” Justice Omotosho stated.
According to the court, Kanu’s broadcasts, including threats that “the Army of Nigeria will die” and that “everything called Nigeria will perish,” were designed to promote the breakaway of the South-East, South-South, and parts of the Middle Belt to form a Biafra nation.
“The defendant enforced sit-at-home orders in the South-East, saying there would be a complete shutdown of Biafraland.
He threatened individuals who attempted to open their shops,” the judge said.
Justice Omotosho described these orders as unconstitutional and noted their wide-reaching impact, including business closures, disruption of farming activities, and restrictions on religious observances.
The court also cited Kanu’s repeated broadcasts in which he referred to Nigeria as a “zoo” and promoted secession. In one broadcast, he claimed that nothing would survive in Nigeria if Biafra were not granted.
While the law permits the death penalty for such offences, Justice Omotosho said he had chosen to temper justice with mercy, guided by Christian principles.
“I have reviewed the file from the inception of this matter in 2015. The convict has exhibited unruly behaviour throughout. Nevertheless, this court will exercise mercy, as enjoined by the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ,” he said.
Consequently, Justice Omotosho sentenced Kanu as follows: life imprisonment for counts one, two, four, five, and six; 20 years’ imprisonment for count three; and five years’ imprisonment for count seven. All sentences are to run concurrently.
The judge further noted that, due to the potential threat to Kanu’s safety given the number of killings associated with his directives, Kuje Correctional Centre would not be suitable. Kanu is to be held in protective custody at a secure facility elsewhere in Nigeria.
He also ordered that Kanu must not have access to any digital device and that the imported transmitter be forfeited to the Federal Government.
Credit: Punch