Convicted IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu has described his life imprisonment sentence as a predetermined outcome, questioning the legal basis of his conviction under what he claims is a repealed law.
The Biafra separatist’s reaction came during a meeting with his brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, following Thursday’s judgment by Justice James K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which found him guilty of terrorism-related charges.
In a post on his official Facebook page on Friday, Prince Emmanuel revealed that when asked about his thoughts on the verdict, Kanu responded with laughter before raising questions about the judge’s authority to convict him.
“His response was laughter, accompanied by a question regarding the plausibility of James K. Omotosho’s authority to convict him under a repealed law, thereby invalidating all actions,” Prince Emmanuel wrote.
According to his brother, Kanu pointed to what he described as evident bias in the judgment and accused the court of fabricating non-existent evidence. The IPOB leader also questioned why previous court judgments that had exonerated him were being ignored.
“He also inquired about the status of prior judgements that had exonerated him. At that point, I agreed with him. In conclusion, he says the judgement is a predetermined script,” Prince Emmanuel stated.
The conviction and sentencing have sparked widespread reactions across Nigeria, with supporters and critics of the separatist leader expressing strong views about the judgment.
Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on five counts of terrorism, 20 years for belonging to a proscribed organization, and five years on another count. The court also ordered the forfeiture of his broadcast equipment and banned him from accessing social media.
His legal team is expected to challenge both the conviction and sentence on appeal.
