The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Justice James Omotosho handed down the sentence on Thursday, hours after convicting Kanu on all seven counts of terrorism brought against him by the Federal Government.
The judge imposed life imprisonment on Counts One, Two, Four, Five, and Six, all of which related to acts of terrorism against the Nigerian state. For Count Three, which involved belonging to a proscribed organization, Kanu received a 20-year prison term without the option of a fine.
On Count Seven, Justice Omotosho sentenced the IPOB leader to five years imprisonment, also without the option of a fine.
In addition to the custodial sentences, the court ordered the forfeiture of Kanu’s radio transmitter and other broadcast equipment used in disseminating what the prosecution described as inciteful messages. Justice Omotosho also imposed a ban on Kanu’s access to social media platforms.
The judge further directed that Kanu should not be detained at Kuje Correctional Centre, though he did not specify an alternative facility.
The sentencing marks the culmination of a protracted legal battle that has drawn significant national and international attention. Kanu’s conviction and sentencing are expected to have far-reaching implications for the separatist movement in Nigeria’s South-East region, where his sit-at-home directives had caused substantial economic disruption.
The IPOB leader’s legal team is expected to file an appeal against both the conviction and the sentence.
