ABUJA: The Federal High Court in Abuja erupted in tension on Thursday as Justice James Omotosho delivered a landmark judgement sentencing the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment.
The ruling followed years of dramatic legal battles, fiery public discourse, heightened security concerns, and persistent agitations across the South-East.
Kanu, who has long maintained that he is not guilty of the numerous charges brought against him, had urged the court to dismiss the case on grounds that the prosecution had failed to establish any credible evidence.
But Justice Omotosho disagreed, describing the no-case submission as “baseless, weak, and legally hollow.”
According to the judge:
The defendant’s submissions are insufficient to absolve him. The prosecution has presented cogent and compelling evidence. His no-case submission is hereby dismissed.
The court held that the Federal Government had successfully established a prima facie case linking Kanu to acts capable of threatening national security and public order.
Counsel to the Federal Government, A. M. Ali, welcomed the decision with satisfaction.
He described the judgement as a major victory for Nigeria’s legal system and the ongoing fight against violent separatist activities.
Ali stated that the conviction would serve as a warning to groups or individuals whose actions threaten the peace and unity of the country.
This judgement reaffirms the government’s resolve to maintain law and order. It is a strong message that no one is above the law, he said.
Charges That Led to the Conviction
The road to Thursday’s ruling has been long and contentious. Kanu faced multiple charges, including:
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Treasonable felony
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Incitement and unlawful broadcasts
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Running a separatist campaign through Radio Biafra
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Actions allegedly linked to violent attacks in the South-East
His arrest, rendition to Nigeria, and prolonged detention generated widespread protests, diplomatic interest, and strong regional emotions.
Even before the judgement, security around the court was heightened, reflecting the sensitivity surrounding Kanu’s trial.
News of the life sentence spread quickly, triggering waves of reactions online and offline.
IPOB members, civil society groups, legal analysts, and political actors are expected to release formal statements in the coming hours.
Thursday’s ruling deepens the already complex national conversation around separatist agitations, marginalization claims, governance failures, human rights concerns, and the long-standing instability in the South-East.
With the court’s verdict, Kanu’s legal battle takes a new turn one likely to influence future political dialogues, security strategies, and national cohesion debates.
