Nnamdi Kanu, the self-declared leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, was found guilty of terrorism against the Federal Government by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday.
Instead of a death sentence, Justice Omotosho sentenced Kanu to life in prison for counts one, four, five, and six.
Additionally, he imposed a 20-year sentence for the IPOB leader on Count Seven, as well as a 5-year sentence without imposing a fine.
Nnamdi Kanu To Life Imprisonment, Court Sentences, READ ALSO
He stated that the sentence would continue concurrently.
The judge stated in his judgment that Kanu’s prosecution had beyond a doubt established its case against him.
Following a lengthy legal battle, the decision was made.
Since his arrest in October 2015, his trial has taken place in a number of significant events, as follows:
2015
The Department of State Services (DSS) detained Kanu on October 14 on suspicion of treason and terrorism in Lagos.
On suspicion of criminal conspiracy, intimidation, and membership in an unlawful society, he was arraigned on November 23 in Abuja Magistrates’ Court. His case was later transferred for treasonable felony to the Federal High Court.
2017
The Federal High Court in Abuja appoints a 100 million dollar bond and strict conditions, including refraining from interviews and gatherings in public on health grounds on April 25.
He was released from Kuje Prison on April 28 after fulfilling the bail requirements.
August: In response to alleged violations, the Federal Government moved to revoke his bail.
His disappearance occurred in Abia State as a result of a military operation in September at his Umuahia home. The government accused him of jumping bail, despite his claims that he feigned safety. His arrest warrant was issued on his behalf and his bail was voided.
2022
February 10: A Kenyan government affidavit confirms that Kanu was a British citizen who entered Kenya on May 12, 2021, without an official departure history. This strengthened his allegations of unlawful rendition of Nigeria.
2023
December 15: The Supreme Court overturned a judicial ruling acquitting him and quashing charges relating to terrorism. The trial was ordered to continue, along with the resumption of the terrorism-related charges.
2025
Kanu’s continued DSS custody has been confirmed on February 8th thanks to an order from the Federal High Court in Abuja to resume the case on February 10.
Justice James Omotosho’s trial resumed on March 21. Kanu entered a new arraignment on seven terrorism-related charges.
His 2021 arrest and transfer to Nigeria were ruled unlawful by the Kenyan High Court on June 24 and gave damages.
In response to concerns about Kanu’s health, the Federal High Court held an advanced hearing on his request for release or improved medical access on September 26.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) was given the order to set up a medical panel on September 26 to examine his condition and suitability for trial.
October 26: The court denied his request for hospital transfer after NMA’s report determined him to be medically fit. Trial sessions were set for October 23, 27, 28, 29, and 30 as a result of the adjournment of proceedings to October 23 for the defense to begin.
Justice Omotosho gave Kanu until November 5 to file a lawsuit against terrorism charges or forgo his option.
The court’s terrorism trial in Kanu was scheduled for November 20.
On November 12, Kanu requested that Justice Omotosho’s Court of Appeal in Abuja forbid further proceedings in his trial.
Source: Channels TV
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