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| Nnamdi Kanu |
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, November 20, 2025, sentenced Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment.
Justice James Omotosho handed down the sentence after convicting Kanu on all seven terrorism charges brought against him.
This verdict came despite the Federal Government’s earlier request for the death penalty.
Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, representing the Federal Government, had urged for the maximum punishment following Kanu’s conviction. The prosecution argued that Kanu’s leadership and incitement were responsible for the deaths of several security agents and widespread destruction tied to IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
While most counts recommended the death sentence, others prescribed terms ranging from five to 20 years imprisonment. The court opted for life imprisonment in sentencing Kanu.
“My lord should consider the nature and gravity of acts of terrorism committed by the convict, which were against innocent Nigerians that reside in the South East,” he added.
Besides, Awomolo, SAN accused Kanu of failing to show remorse or penitence for the offense, insisting that his conduct before the court was marked by arrogance.
He urged the court to order the forfeiture of all the broadcast equipment that were seized from Kanu, as well as to restrict him from having access to digital devices or internet facility, wherever he would be kept to serve the sentence.
Awomolo, SAN pleaded that for Kanu’s safety, he should not be kept at the Kuje prison in Abuja, which he said suffered jail breaks in the past.
Responding, Justice Omotosho had gone on recess and promised to reconvene around 4pm for sentencing, hear a plea from the member of the House of Representatives for Ikwuano/Umuahia North & South, Hon. Obinna Aguocha, who begged it to temper justice with mercy.
Before announcing the conviction, Justice Omotosho accused Kanu – who was earlier ejected from court for opposing his impending judgement – of being unruly and disrespecting the court. He said that the rudeness of the IPOB leader climaxed with his disruption of the court’s proceedings.
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, following his controversial interception and return to Nigeria from Kenya in circumstances his lawyers describe as “extraordinary rendition”.
The judgement of the court marked an end to Kanu’s trial that lasted over 10 years.
However, Kanu is entitled to challenge Omotosho’s ruling at the appellate court.
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