Nnamdi Kanu Sentenced to Life Imprisonment by Abuja Federal High Court

ByNewsmakers

Nov 20, 2025 #IPOB, #Justice James Omotosho, #Life Imprisonment, #Nnamdi Kanu, #Nnamdi Kanu and Biafra

Matilda Omonaiye/

Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment today, bringing an end to Kanu’s prolonged legal battle with the Federal Government over allegations bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement.

Kanu was first arrested in 2015 but fled the country in 2017 while on bail after a military raid on his residence in Afara-Ukwu, Umuahia, Abia State. He resurfaced in 2021 after being intercepted in Kenya and brought back to Nigeria under circumstances he repeatedly described as a violation of international law and extradition protocols.

The life sentence marks the climax of a 7-count amended charge filed by the Federal Government, which accused him of using his platform to incite violence, threaten national security, and promote secessionist activities in the South-East.

The court held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, ruling that Kanu’s broadcasts and directives to IPOB members constituted acts of terrorism capable of destabilising the country.

Kanu listened to the judgment in court, flanked by his legal team, who immediately expressed their intention to appeal the ruling at the Court of Appeal.