The court found Kanu guilty on all seven counts in the amended charge brought by the Federal Government. He was sentenced to life imprisonment on Counts 1, 4, 5, and 6, which bordered on terrorism, importation of radio transmission equipment without licence, incitement, and making of terrorist publications. For Count 3 (belonging to an unlawful society), he received a 20-year jail term, while Count 7 attracted a five-year sentence. All terms are to run concurrently.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Omotosho held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, describing Kanu’s actions through his Radio Biafra broadcasts and public statements as acts of terrorism that caused loss of lives, destruction of property, and economic sabotage in the South-East region. The judge noted that Kanu showed no remorse throughout the trial and had continued to issue directives even while in detention.
The court rejected the defence argument that Kanu’s statements amounted to mere freedom of expression, ruling that his broadcasts went beyond advocacy and directly incited violence against security agents, civilians, and state institutions. Justice Omotosho further described Kanu as “an international terrorist” whose threats extended to foreign missions, including alleged plans to attack the British High Commission and the United States Embassy in Nigeria.
In opting for life imprisonment instead of the death penalty sought by the prosecution, the judge stated that the court was showing mercy, adding that global trends now frown upon capital punishment.
Kanu was first arraigned in 2016 on charges of treasonable felony. He jumped bail in 2017 after the military invaded his home in Abia State. He was rearrested in Kenya in June 2021 and brought back to Nigeria to continue his trial. Although the Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted him in 2022 on the grounds of illegal rendition, the Supreme Court overturned that decision in December 2024 and ordered the case to proceed on the substantive charges.
Reacting to the verdict, the lead prosecution counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, described the judgment as a victory for the rule of law and commended the court for upholding justice. Kanu’s lead counsel, Mr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor, immediately announced that the defence would file an appeal, describing the sentence as excessive and politically motivated.
The conviction has elicited mixed reactions across the country. While some Nigerians hailed the verdict as a deterrent to separatist agitation and terrorism, others, particularly in the South-East, see it as a continuation of the marginalisation of the Igbo people. There are concerns that the life sentence could further inflame tensions in the region, where IPOB’s Monday sit-at-home orders have paralysed economic activities for years.
Kanu will remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) pending the determination of his appeal. The court also ordered the forfeiture of the radio transmission equipment allegedly imported illegally by the IPOB leader.
The case, one of the most politically charged trials in recent Nigerian history, has drawn international attention, with human rights organisations and some foreign governments previously questioning the legality of Kanu’s rendition from Kenya and the conditions of his detention.
As the legal battle moves to the Court of Appeal, the judgment is expected to have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s handling of separatist movements and the balance between national security and freedom of expression.
