Update: Court Sentences Nnamdi Kanu To Life Imprisonment

The Federal High Court in Abuja has handed down a life imprisonment sentence to the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, after finding him guilty on all seven terrorism-related charges brought against him by the Federal Government.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the verdict on Thursday, shortly after the court reconvened from an hour-long recess to conclude what has been one of the most closely watched judgments in recent years.

In the earlier part of the ruling, Justice Omotosho held that the prosecution had successfully proved its case, declaring Kanu guilty of multiple offences.

Federal High Court Convicts IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu On Terrorism Charges

These include engaging in terrorism; being a member and leader of a proscribed organisation; issuing threats and carrying out killings of security operatives; destruction of public and private property; acts of concealment; and the unlawful importation of an unregistered radio transmitter.

Kanu, who has remained a central figure in one of Nigeria’s most politically sensitive and divisive legal battles, was present in court as the life sentence was formally pronounced.

Thursday’s judgment marks a significant turning point in the prolonged legal saga, one that has drawn international attention and triggered widespread reactions across the South-East and beyond.

Further developments are expected as Kanu’s legal team weighs potential grounds for appeal and stakeholders respond to the implications of the ruling.