Court Sentences IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu, To Life Imprisonment Over Terrorism

Thursday November 20, 2025
www.thenewsdesk.ng

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has been handed a life sentence following his conviction on terrorism-related charges.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Thursday, November 20, confirming that Kanu received life imprisonment on counts four, five and six of the seven-count charge brought against him.

He was also given a 20-year prison term on count three.

According to FAMOUS REPORTERS, the court delivered the judgment in Kanu’s absence after he insisted that the verdict would not stand in the terrorism suit filed against him by the Federal Government. His refusal to allow proceedings reportedly led to a dramatic scene in the courtroom, prompting the judge to order security operatives to “bundle him out” for what was termed “unruly behaviour.”

Justice Omotosho held that several broadcasts made by Kanu on Radio Biafra amounted to acts of terrorism, noting that his rhetoric was anchored on “violence and incitement.” He further declared that Kanu’s order directing residents of the South-East to observe sit-at-home constituted a terrorist act and violated the citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of movement.

“The defendant lacked the constitutional authority to impose any sit-at-home directive on the people,” the judge ruled.

According to the court, evidence presented during the trial showed that Kanu used his broadcasts to issue directives that allegedly encouraged the killing of police and military personnel, which the judge described as “preparatory acts of terrorism.”

Justice Omotosho held that the IPOB leader was guilty of committing acts of terrorism against the Federal Republic of Nigeria and subsequently convicted him on all seven counts, despite his plea of not guilty throughout the proceedings.