Nnamdi Kanu Sentenced to Life Imprisonment, Prosecution Seeks Total Communication Ban
Amy Adindu
The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment after finding him guilty on all terrorism-related counts filed by the Federal Government.
Delivering judgement on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho convicted Kanu on charges ranging from incitement, terrorism financing, issuing violent directives, and ordering sit-at-home actions that resulted in the deaths of security operatives and destruction of public property in Lagos and the Southeast.
Key Charges Against Nnamdi Kanu: Kanu was standing trial on charges including:
- Terrorism financing and membership of a terrorist organisation
- Incitement to commit acts of violence during the #EndSARS protests
- Issuing broadcasts directing attacks on government institutions
- Ordering sit-at-home actions leading to killings of security personnel
- Instigating destruction of Federal Government properties in Lagos
- Continuing to transmit inflammatory statements while in hiding and during detention
He was found guilty on all counts.
One of the most significant pieces of evidence referenced by Justice Omotosho was a phone call in which Kanu allegedly said:
“Every federal government building in Lagos should be on fire.”
The court ruled that the statement directly contributed to the escalation of violence during the #EndSARS protests.
Drama in Court Before Sentencing Earlier in the day, Kanu was removed from the courtroom after repeatedly interrupting proceedings and challenging the judge. The court thereafter ordered that the trial continue in his absence.
Prosecution Demands Maximum Restrictions After the conviction, the prosecuting counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, told the court:
“The only sentence that the lordship will enforce for counts 1 to 6 is the death sentence.”
Although the court opted for life imprisonment, Awomolo urged Justice Omotosho to impose additional measures, asking that:
- All of Kanu’s internet-enabled devices be seized
- His transmission equipment and communication tools be confiscated
- He be transferred to the safest and most secure facility in the country for his own protection and to prevent any further influence on supporters
Plea for Mercy During the sentencing phase, Hon. Obi Aguocha, representing the Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy and consider the broader implications for national healing and stability.
What’s Next? With sentencing delivered, attention now shifts to:
- Possible appeal by Kanu’s legal team
- The government’s decision on where he will be held
- Security monitoring across the Southeast as reactions begin to pour in
This ruling marks one of the most consequential terrorism judgements in recent Nigerian history.
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