Judul : Life in Jail for Kanu: Southeast Leaders Demand Political Resolution
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Life in Jail for Kanu: Southeast Leaders Demand Political Resolution
During a highly intense session that extended for more than seven hours, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, the head of the Indigenous People of Biafra, to life in prison after he was found guilty on all seven terrorism-related charges brought by the Federal Government.
However, in a quick reaction to the situation, the Southeast leaders stated they would seek a political resolution for Kanu's release, urging tranquility.
On behalf of Ndigbo leaders, the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Ben Kalu, said, "There is still hope: A political resolution is being pursued to ensure Kanu's release."
In a statement from Levinus Nwabughiogu, the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Kalu conveyed confidence that Kanu would be released via a political method.
The leader from the South-East stated that he is confident President Bola Tinubu will heed the requests of sincere Igbo leaders regarding this issue, noting that the President would not be opposed to it. He called on the people of the South-East and all Nigerians to stay composed.
It is now the time to examine political solutions that were previously blocked as the issue was under judicial review. However, now that the court has concluded its proceedings, it is time to strengthen the appeal for the President's involvement, and we are confident that the President is not opposed to this. We will achieve it. Not all hope is lost. Our people should maintain composure.
The legal hearing started with a strained atmosphere when Kanu disrupted the judge, leading him to direct security personnel to escort the IPOB leader out of the courtroom.
The judge stated that the proceedings would proceed without Kanu following a description of his conduct in court as disorderly.
Kanu had interrupted during the ruling, arguing that the court could not continue since he had not submitted his final written statement.
He spoke loudly, insisting, “Which law allows you to charge me based on an unwritten rule? Prove it. Omotosho, where is the law? Any decision made in this court is pure nonsense.”
He alleged the judge was biased and stated that he had no comprehension of the legal system.
Following a short break, the prosecution, headed by Adegboyega Awomolo, requested the court to proceed with the trial in Kanu's absence, citing his behavior as disruptive.
Omotosho mentioned that although a defendant has a constitutional right to be present during the trial, consistent misbehavior may permit the proceedings to proceed without them.
"If a defendant behaves improperly or shows disrespectful conduct throughout his trial, the trial may proceed without him," he stated.
He mentioned that the court of justice is a sanctuary of God.
He mentioned that Kanu's disruptive behavior was not unusual, as he had shown comparable conduct on multiple occasions before.
The judge mentioned that the head of the banned organization had stated he would not offer a defense, and that Thursday's session was for delivering a verdict and potential sentencing.
As per the order, Kanu was taken out of the courtroom, and the judge continued with the verdict.
Omotosho, as the judgment was delivered during the final stage of the proceedings that began at 9am and ended around 4:30 pm, imposed a life sentence on Kanu for counts one, two, four, five, and six out of the seven charges brought against him.
The seven charges relate to Kanu's efforts to promote secession and break apart the South-East, South-South, and certain areas of the middle belt from Nigeria, involving terrorist activities, being part of a banned organization, killing security personnel, setting fire to and damaging public property, hiding evidence, and importing an unregistered radioactive transmitter.
For count three, which pertains to the offense of being part of a banned terrorist organization, Omotosho imposed a 20-year prison sentence with no possibility of a fine.
On the seventh count, related to his illegal importation of a radio transmitter intended for broadcasting the activities of Radio Biafra, which is not registered in Nigeria, Judge Omotosho imposed a five-year prison sentence with no possibility of a fine.
Justice Omotosho stated that engaging in terrorist acts against the nation through statements like "people will die and the country will halt" constitutes a crime that can be punished by death.
Omotosho mentioned, "An individual convicted of the crime may face a maximum punishment of death. The death penalty is becoming less accepted globally. Therefore, for the sake of justice, I am sentencing the offender, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to life in prison for charges 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 rather than imposing the death penalty."
"Regarding count 3, he is sentenced to 20 years in prison without the possibility of a fine, and for count 7, he receives a five-year sentence with no option of a fine. In an act of compassion, I direct that these sentences be served at the same time," the judge stated.
As per the judge, Kanu's continuous threats of violence and killings, along with his instructions mandating stay-at-home orders in the South-East during multiple broadcasts, constituted terrorist acts under the law.
The defendant implemented the stay-at-home order in the Southeast, stating there would be a total closure of Biafraland; He said, I know some of you are foolish, attempting to open your shops around 12 noon. If you do that, we will set you on fire in your shop.
The judge additionally ruled that Kanu's directives were in violation of the constitution.
This constitutes an unconstitutional action that is rebellious, a disgraceful act forcing individuals in the South-East to remain at home, with all places empty, including the farmlands.
The court also ruled that Kanu, who claimed to be the founder and Director of Radio and Television of Biafra, delivered a broadcast stating that the 'Nigerian Army will die and that everything referred to as Nigeria will be destroyed in Biafra.'
It also determined that he was guilty of violating the terrorism law in multiple broadcasts where he threatened Nigeria's survival, consistently called Nigeria a "Zoo," and encouraged the separation of the South-East, South-South, and some parts of the Middle Belt from Nigeria to establish a Biafra nation.
The court confirmed that his directives resulted in the death of an All Progressives Congress leader, Ahmed Gulak, the closure of businesses, hindering farmers from reaching their fields, and, given that the South-East is a Christian area, preventing Nigerian citizens from attending church.
Omotosho stated that Kanu, during one of his broadcasts, indicated that Somalia would be a utopia if the push for the Biafran state was not recognized.
In an interview with Sahara Television, the court noted that the IPOB leader claimed nothing would survive in a "zoo" named Nigeria by the time he carried out his secession threat.
The judge pointed out that Kanu, in one of his numerous statements, claimed the only language people in the "zoo" (Nigeria) comprehend is violence, and that it would be provided to them.
At the Igbo World Congress held in the United States, Kanu also claimed there would be a violent conflict and that America would provide "guns and ammunition."
"We are prepared to die unless they grant us Biafra," Omotosho quoted him as saying.
Omotosho mentioned that although Kanu has been disruptive throughout the trial, and while the law permits his execution for the terrorism charges, he has decided to show compassion in accordance with Christian principles and "the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ," referencing the Book of Matthew from the Bible.
He stated, "I have reviewed the complete file since the issue first arose in 2015. He has been responsible for delays. Additionally, his disruptive behavior has persisted from the start until now. Nevertheless, this court will not take that into account, as God is compassionate. The court is showing mercy to him as instructed by our Lord Jesus Christ. The court intends to impose the death penalty on the convicted individual. He has continued to be arrogant, defiant, and overconfident."
I have heard the speech delivered by the member of the House of Representatives, which I remain unconvinced by; yet, I need to balance justice with compassion. The court is influenced by the lessons about mercy found in the Book of Matthew.
The Lord shows compassion, and the court will heed the teachings of Jesus Christ, demonstrating mercy. I hereby sentence the offender to life in prison for counts one, two, four, five, and six. For count three, the offender is sentenced to 20 years in prison, with the possibility of a fine. Count seven carries a five-year prison term, also with the option of a fine. To show kindness, I order that these sentences be served at the same time.
Omotosho mentioned that because the inclination towards violence remains with him, and considering the brutal acts and the murders he carried out against the people of the South-East, his security should be a matter of concern, as he might be targeted by those who have lost family members due to his directives.
The court noted that the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja would not be appropriate, particularly considering the prison escapes that have occurred there previously.
He directed that Kanu remain under protective prison detention in any location across the country except the Kuje facility.
"I am certain that the inclination towards violence has not disappeared from the convict. Therefore, he needs to be housed in a facility that is appropriate for his management, as sending him to Kuje Correctional Centre might not be suitable," he added.
He also issued a directive that the prisoner should not be permitted to approach any electronic gadget.
Regarding the transmitter (confiscated from Kanu), it is hereby surrendered to the Federal Government.
After Omotosho came back from his room to announce the verdict, he called upon Kanu's legal advisors, Aloy Ejimakor, Prince Mandela, P. Ejiofor, and Maxwell Okpara, who had previously been part of his legal team but were now referred to as 'consultants,' to record the sentence and convey it to Kanu, who was being held on the ground floor of the five-story building that houses the Federal High Court.
They were his attorneys prior to him converting them into advisors. I simply wish for it to be documented that he had legal counsel.
Ejimakor stated that they do not possess his document.
This led Omotosho to inquire, "Why are you here?" to which Ejimakor replied, "As consultants."
The judge instructed, "I simply want you to go and inform him of the sentence. You are already present. Your name is listed as a consultant, and I have that documented."
He explained that the IPOB leader was not deprived of a fair hearing as he alleged, noting that a defendant cannot serve as a judge in his own case.
He remembered that the case was initially submitted in 2015, and by 2017, the defendant was accused of evading arrest for a period of four years.
In 2015, the defendant was returned to proceed with his trial. During the trial, the prosecution presented five witnesses, and the case concluded on June 19, 2025.
On several occasions, he stated that the defendant requested delays even after he had chosen to proceed with a swift trial.
Following the prosecution's conclusion of its case, Kanu was obligated to present his defense after the Nigerian Medical Association declared him fit for trial. However, the IPOB leader submitted a no-case argument, which the court rejected on September 26.
Omotosho mentioned that considering Kanu's disruptive conduct and his choice to represent himself personally following the withdrawal of his legal team, which included five Senior Advocates of Nigeria headed by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), the court confirmed his ability to face trial.
He remembered that Kanu told the court he intended to call 28 witnesses, some of whom he alleged were foreigners, mentioning that his request was granted, but once more, he dropped the application.
Omotosho mentioned that Kanu failed to bring forward any witness who could swear under oath regarding the claim of "extraordinary rendition from Kenya," the denial of a fair hearing, and other assertions outlined in his initial objection and additional petitions submitted to the court.
His inability to have a witness testify under oath and allow the prosecution to question that witness renders his statements just unsupported claims, mere gossip that holds no legal weight.
"It is truly puzzling to this court that a defendant would postpone the trial and claim he is being denied one," Omotosho remarked, stating that the charges against Kanu were established beyond any reasonable doubt through the evidence presented in court.
He emphasized that Kanu worsened his situation by declining to present his defense or clarify his actions before the court.
As per the judge, Kanu was aware of his actions while delivering the reckless and violent statements during his many broadcasts.
Meanwhile, Ejimakor, the consultant to the prisoner, stated that Kanu would appeal the ruling to the Court of Appeal.
After the sentencing, he told reporters, "From this point, we are moving to the Court of Appeal. It is the sole court in the nation that uses a jury, and we will ask the judges there to reconsider what took place in court today."
Ejimakor called the sentencing a "disgraceful act of injustice" and stated belief that the appeals court will reverse the conviction.
"If the Court of Appeal disagrees with us, we will take the case to the Supreme Court. But by God Almighty, Nnamdi Kanu is not going to be convicted; it will be reversed," he added.
Shocked by the verdict, Igbo leaders and organizations have dismissed the death sentence imposed on the Biafran activist.
The former Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, stated that the ruling marked another dark day for the Ndigbo people.
Ogege claimed that the judge was following a script provided to him, stating, "It is another dark day for the Ndigbo, and it represents an attack on democracy and an infringement on freedom of speech. It serves as an invitation for division since I believe the judge was merely adhering to a script given to him."
We are urging the Federal Government to act promptly and take necessary steps to release him. We do not support violence; we will keep pursuing justice through the legal system. The Supreme Court has already ordered his release; why is the High Court overturning the Supreme Court's decision?
However, prior to that, the Federal Government should address the tension in the country since Kanu is cherished by Nigerian youth, not just the Ndigbo. It is something they need to consider and release him. We are not seeking anything other than his unconditional release.
Members of the Nigerian Bar Association have stated that there is no foundation for the trial. Therefore, we do not think it is solely the judge who is aware of a justification for convicting him and sentencing him to life imprisonment, while Boko Haram arrived with their weapons, and the Federal Government is seeking peace through negotiations. How much more so for a man who was not found carrying a gun?
The governors from the Southeast region should unite and request the Federal Government for his unconditional release.
The Public Relations Officer of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr Ezechi Chukwu, stated that the organization has not received the ruling. He further mentioned, "We will express our stance once we obtain the judgment."
The Association of Southeast Youth Leaders noted that the decision has triggered waves of worry and dissatisfaction across the area.
The President of COSEYL, General Goodluck Ibem, in a phone conversation with one of our reporters, stated, "Although we have respect for the judiciary and the rule of law, we feel that the present circumstances require a more empathetic response. Hence, we urge President Bola Tinubu, as the Commander-in-Chief and leader of the nation, to use his constitutional authority and implement a political resolution to this urgent issue."
Nnamdi Kanu's case has gone beyond legal consequences; it has attracted significant attention and highlighted critical issues related to national unity, regional inclusion, and the pursuit of a fairer Nigeria.
As a leader who grasps the complexities of governance and the significance of national unity, we implore President Tinubu to balance justice with compassion and explore a conversation that might result in Nnamdi Kanu's release.
The South East Revival Group criticized the decision, calling it a legal mistake, a breach of the constitution, and an intentional attack on the values of a fair trial, natural justice, and proper legal procedure.
In a statement released in Abuja and authored by its National Director of Publicity, Nnaemeka Aleke, SERG stated that the ruling is an insult to Nigerian legal principles.
SERG was surprised that the court went ahead and convicted Kanu under charges based on the now-repealed Terrorism Prevention Act 2013, despite the fact that this law has since been replaced by the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022.
As per SERG, Omotosho was accused of acting with what it described as judicial haste and judicial evasion by issuing a ruling quickly despite being repeatedly notified that multiple motions, appeals, and issues regarding jurisdiction were still under consideration by the Court of Appeal.
Therefore, SERG urged the National Judicial Council to promptly examine his behavior, stating that the concerns highlighted by the ruling are too significant to be ignored.
The group also called on the Court of Appeal to act quickly and reverse the decision in order to restore constitutional order and reinforce the principle that no Nigerian can be charged or found guilty under a law that is no longer in effect.
Aleke stated, "This ruling is not only incorrect; it violates the law, reason, and the moral sense of the country. It cannot be allowed to remain."
Additionally, the Igbo Community Association in Abuja strongly opposed Kanu's conviction, describing his jail term as "a danger to the delicate peace in the South-East."
In a statement signed by its President-General, Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, the group claimed that the court's ruling—made without what they believe was a proper opportunity for Kanu to present his complete defense—could threaten the region's stability.
The group expressed disappointment that the court failed to address the deaths of innocent Igbo youths who were part of IPOB, at the hands of Nigerian security forces.
As per Ellis-Ezenekwe, the choice might jeopardize the stability that has recently been reestablished in the area.
"We are saddened and disappointed with this decision," Ellis-Ezenekwe stated. "This conviction does not align with the spirit of brotherhood that was shown to Boko Haram fighters and other combatants throughout the country," the statement mentioned.
A seasoned attorney from Imo State, Ngozi Olehi (SAN), stated that Kanu's trial was a political matter, contending that even though he was found guilty, the Federal Government retains the authority to set him free.
Olehi, who ran for governor in Imo State in 2019, stated, "Nnamdi Kanu's trial is more of a political proceeding. Kanu's case represents the politics of lawlessness, the low standard of governance, severe leadership problems, and persistent security issues, all of which have pushed Nigeria towards being a failing state."
What impact would Nnamdi Kanu's conviction have on Nigeria's current situation? I am not fond of commenting on legal matters without thoroughly examining the judgment and the facts or charges it is based on. However, it is safe to say that the political elements underlying Kanu's activities will not be lessened by overlooking these aspects.
This is why I still believe a political resolution is essential, and in such a scenario, regardless of the conviction, the Federal Government may still be able to release him.
Professor Francis Dike (SAN) stated, "It is extremely disturbing that Nnamdi Kanu has been found guilty. It is very shocking, and we are closely observing the situation."
Meanwhile, commercial operations proceeded without interruption in Owerri, Imo State, on Thursday.
Nevertheless, certain schools returned their students to their homes, although markets and banks functioned completely.
The pathway to the Governor's Office, also known as Douglas House, was blocked, and drivers had to rely on one lane.
Kanu's home state, Abia, remained tranquil. The areas of Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia were quiet, and the conditions were similar in his rural hometown, Afara Ukwu.
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