UPDATED: Court Sentences Nnamdi Kanu To Life Imprisonment ‘Out Of Mercy’

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life Imprisonment instead of a death sentence.

Justice James Omotosho, who handed down the sentence on Thursday, had called for a recess after convicting the IPOB leader.

Kanu was convicted under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, insisting that the gravity of the offences leaves the court with only one lawful option – the death penalty.

Justice Omotosho, while delivering what he described as a “merciful but lawful” judgment, said the court was compelled by both legal considerations and moral persuasion to impose a life sentence rather than the death sentence prescribed by law for the offences.

In a sentencing that referenced scripture and the defendant’s conduct, the judge said, “This court is only being merciful to him because we have to be merciful as enjoined by our Lord Christ Jesus Christ.

“The court is minded to sentence the convicts to death due to the atrocity he committed. The convict has not shown any remorse, whatever, for his actions.”

He added that Kanu “remained arrogant, cocky, and full of himself without realizing the magnitude of his crime and the effect of what he has done against his people in the southeast.”

The judge also revealed that he considered pleas made during allocutus, including one from a member of the House of Representatives from Kanu’s constituency, but was “not really persuaded.” However, he said he was compelled to “temper justice with mercy.”

Quoting from the Bible, he stated, “The court is moved by chapter 22, 23, verse 23 of Matthew… to the effect that… judgment, mercy, and faith… Our Lord himself is merciful. No matter what we do, he is a merciful God.”

He explained that global attitudes toward the death penalty also influenced the decision, saying, “The death penalty globally is now being frowned upon by the international community.”

Justice Omotosho then pronounced the sentence: life imprisonment for counts 1, 4, 5, and 6; 20 years without option of fine for count 3; and 5 years without option of fine for count 7. All sentences will run concurrently, effectively making it a life term.

He also highlighted Kanu’s courtroom behaviour as justification for the custodial measures ordered, saying that during the last adjourned date, “he was so unruly and expressed violence, even was about to beat a security officer’s ear. This morning, he repeated the same.” He continued, “That has been his trait… the tendency of violence has not left him.”

The court further ordered that Kanu must not be allowed near any digital device due to his alleged use of phones and computers to issue inciting broadcasts.

“The convicts must not be allowed near any digital device, and if he must, he must be closely monitored by the Office of the National Security Advisor,” Omotosho ruled.

He added that due to the nature of the offences and their impact in the Southeast, Kanu should be held in protective custody. “With the atrocities, the number of killings, and the effect of the acts of the convicts on the people of Southeast, I think he deserves protective custody… I ordered that the convicts be kept in protective custody in any custodial center in any part of the country.”

His broadcast transmitter was forfeited to the Federal Government. Other exhibits may be subject to further orders if no appeal is filed within 90 days.