By Wolimoh Abdulmateen
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday, November 20, 2025, sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life in prison after finding him guilty of seven terrorism-related charges filed by the Federal Government’s prosecution team.
The judgment was delivered by Justice James Omotosho, who said Kanu’s series of broadcasts encouraged violence, threatened citizens, and fueled unrest across the South-East.
The court explained that its decision was based on evidence showing that Kanu used Radio Biafra to issue threats, promote attacks, and enforce actions that violated people’s rights. Justice Omotosho said the broadcasts and directives created fear in communities and pushed supporters to act violently.
According to the ruling, the judgment was given in Kanu’s absence because he insisted the court would not deliver a verdict on the terrorism charges. This led to a brief disturbance in the courtroom, after which the judge ordered security personnel to remove him for what he described as unruly conduct.
Justice Omotosho stated that Kanu’s sit-at-home directives across the South-East amounted to acts of terrorism because they denied residents their freedom of movement and shut down normal life in entire communities. He added that markets, streets, and public spaces were left empty out of fear.
The judge also said evidence presented in court showed that Kanu used his broadcasts to encourage attacks on police and military officers, which he described as “preparatory terrorism.”
In the final decision, the court held that Kanu committed terrorist acts against the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Despite pleading not guilty, he was convicted on all seven counts and will now serve life imprisonment under Nigerian law.