South-East Leaders Push Political Solution After Court Jails Nnamdi Kanu for Life

 

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday sentenced the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment, after convicting him on all seven terrorism-related charges filed by the Federal Government. The judgment, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, followed a dramatic seven-hour proceeding marked by disruptions from the defendant.

In swift reaction, South-East leaders called for calm and announced plans to pursue a political solution for Kanu’s release. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ben Kalu, speaking on behalf of Igbo leaders, said:
“All hope is not lost. A political solution is underway to secure Kanu’s release.”

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu would consider appeals from stakeholders across the region.

Courtroom Drama and Removal of Kanu

Tension escalated in court when Kanu interrupted Justice Omotosho, accusing him of bias and questioning the legality of the charges. The judge ordered security agents to remove him for unruly conduct and continued the proceedings in his absence.

The prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo, argued that the court could proceed even without the defendant present. Justice Omotosho agreed, citing constitutional provisions that allow trial continuation when a defendant disrupts proceedings.

The judge noted that Kanu had repeatedly behaved in an unruly manner throughout his trial and had refused to present a defence despite earlier indicating he would call 28 witnesses.

The Sentence

Justice Omotosho sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment for counts 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6, which relate to:

• Secessionist agitation

• Acts of terrorism

• Belonging to a proscribed group

• Attacks on security operatives

• Destruction of public property

• Importation of an unregistered radioactive transmitter

For count 3, concerning membership in a terrorist group, he received 20 years without an option of fine.
For count 7, involving unlawful importation of a radio transmitter used for Radio Biafra broadcasts, he received five years without an option of fine.

The judge stressed that some of Kanu’s statements—such as threats that “people will die” and that the nation would “stand still”—constituted terrorism under the law.

Though the offences carry the death penalty, the judge said he chose life imprisonment “to temper justice with mercy,” citing Christian teachings.

The sentences will run concurrently.

Omotosho also ordered:

• That Kanu be kept in protective custody outside Kuje Prison due to security concerns

• That he must not have access to digital devices

• That the seized transmitter be forfeited to the Federal Government

Reaction From Kanu’s Team

Kanu’s legal consultant, Aloy Ejimakor, rejected the ruling, describing it as a “travesty of justice.”
He announced plans to challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal.

Widespread Outcry in the South-East

The judgment triggered strong reactions across the South-East:

Ohanaeze Ndigbo

Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene described the conviction as “another black day” and a “rape of democracy,” alleging the judge acted on a script.
He demanded Kanu’s unconditional release, noting that the Supreme Court had previously discharged him.

Coalition of South-East Youth Leaders (COSEYL)

President-General Goodluck Ibem appealed to President Tinubu to intervene, saying Kanu’s case has broad national implications and affects unity, equity, and peace.

South East Revival Group (SERG)

SERG condemned the ruling as a judicial aberration, arguing that the judge convicted Kanu under the repealed Terrorism Prevention Act 2013 instead of the 2022 Act.
They urged the National Judicial Council to review the judge’s conduct.

Igbo Community Association, Abuja

The group warned that the judgment could destabilise the fragile peace in the region and criticised the court for ignoring the killing of Igbo youths in clashes with security forces.

Senior Lawyers

• Ngozi Olehi (SAN) described the case as political and insisted a political solution remains possible.

• Francis Dike (SAN) said the conviction was “very shocking.”

South-East Calm but Tense

Despite fears of unrest, business activities continued normally in Owerri, Imo State. Some schools closed early, and roads near the Government House were cordoned off.

Kanu’s home state, Abia, also remained calm, with Aba, Umuahia, Ohafia, and Afara Ukwu (his hometown) peaceful.

ADEOLA KUNLE