Amanze Chinonye
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday sentenced the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment after convicting him on all seven terrorism-related charges brought by the Federal Government.
Justice James Omotosho, who delivered the judgment, ruled that the prosecution presented credible and compelling evidence showing that Kanu’s broadcasts and directives through Radio Biafra and other IPOB channels incited violent attacks on security personnel and civilians in the southeast.
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The court held that the attacks were part of a coordinated effort tied to his campaign for an independent Biafra state.
Kanu, who founded IPOB, did not open a defence during the trial, a decision the court described as a deliberate gamble that left the prosecution’s evidence unchallenged. Justice Omotosho noted that the court was left with no alternative but to rely fully on the state’s submissions.
In his judgment, the judge reiterated that “The right to self-determination is a political right. Any self-determination not done according to the constitution of Nigeria is illegal.”
Kanu, first arrested in 2015 and re-arrested in 2021 after leaving the country while on bail, has long advocated for the re-establishment of Biafra a region whose attempted secession in 1967 triggered a three-year civil war that left more than one million people dead.
With Thursday’s ruling, Kanu will now serve a life sentence, marking the most consequential judgment yet in the long-running legal and political battle between the separatist movement and the Nigerian state. Security around the court was heavily reinforced as the verdict and sentence were delivered.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
