Nnamdi Kanu and His Final Sentence to Life Imprisonment

Nnamdi Kanu and His Final Sentence to Life Imprisonment

The Federal High Court in Abuja has delivered a decisive ruling in the long-running case against Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

On November 20, 2025, Justice James Omotosho sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment after finding him guilty on all seven counts of terrorism charges filed by the Federal Government. This judgment represents the culmination of years of legal battles, political controversy, and national debate over separatist agitation in Nigeria.

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho emphasized that Kanu’s conduct throughout the proceedings was marked by arrogance, contempt, and deliberate attempts to delay the trial. The judge noted that Kanu had shown no remorse and described him as “arrogant, cocky and unruly.”

While delivering the verdict, Omotosho invoked biblical teachings, quoting Matthew Chapter 23 to highlight the principle of mercy, even as he imposed the maximum penalty under the law. He stressed that the court was tempering justice with mercy, but that the severity of the crimes left no alternative but life imprisonment.

The sentencing was structured to include additional penalties beyond the life term. On count three, Kanu was sentenced to twenty years’ imprisonment, while on count seven he received five years without the option of a fine.

These sentences are to run concurrently with the life term, effectively ensuring that Kanu will remain incarcerated for the rest of his life. The court also ordered that he be kept in protective custody due to his violent tendencies, which were reportedly displayed even during court proceedings.

Furthermore, the judge ruled that Kanu must not have access to digital devices unless closely monitored by the National Security Adviser, reflecting concerns about his ability to influence followers from prison.

The prosecution’s case relied heavily on video evidence, including interviews and broadcasts in which Kanu allegedly issued violent threats against Nigeria and its citizens. These materials were deemed sufficient to establish his culpability under terrorism laws.

The court’s decision followed earlier designations of Kanu as an international terrorist, intensifying the gravity of the charges.

The ruling has sparked widespread reactions across Nigeria and beyond. Supporters of IPOB view the sentence as politically motivated, aimed at silencing separatist agitation and suppressing the movement for Biafran independence. 

Critics of Kanu, however, argue that the judgment was necessary to safeguard national security and uphold the rule of law. 

The prosecution had initially sought the death penalty, citing Kanu’s past jailbreak in Kuje and his capacity to incite unrest, but the court opted for life imprisonment instead, framing it as a tempered act of justice.

This case is emblematic of Nigeria’s broader struggle with separatist movements and the challenges of balancing national unity with freedom of expression.

The sentencing of Nnamdi Kanu sends a strong message that the judiciary will not tolerate actions perceived as threats to the sovereignty of the state. Yet, it also raises questions about reconciliation, governance, and the enduring tensions between the Nigerian state and separatist aspirations.

The final sentence of life imprisonment for Nnamdi Kanu is not just a legal conclusion; it is a political and social milestone that will shape Nigeria’s discourse for years to come.

Whether it leads to the weakening of IPOB or fuels further agitation remains uncertain, but its significance in Nigeria’s contemporary history is undeniable.