The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment after finding him guilty of multiple terrorism-related offences.
Delivering judgement on Thursday, November 20, 2025, Justice James Omotosho convicted Kanu on all seven counts, including charges of inciting attacks on security operatives, belonging to a terrorist organisation, and enforcing unlawful sit-at-home orders in the South-East.
Although the offences carry the maximum penalty of death, Justice Omotosho ruled in favour of life imprisonment, citing the global trend toward phasing out capital punishment and referencing religious teachings on mercy.
The judge directed that Kanu be held in protective custody at a secure facility approved by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), ruling that the Kuje Correctional Centre would not be appropriate for the nature of his sentence. He further ordered that Kanu must not have access to electronic devices unless under strict ONSA monitoring.
Justice Omotosho also ordered the forfeiture of the transmitter used for IPOB broadcasts to the Federal Government. He added that, should there be no appeal, other equipment linked to Kanu’s activities would also stand forfeited.
The court noted that its proceedings were briefly disrupted after Kanu was ejected for what the judge described as “unruly behaviour” and attempts to oppose the impending judgement.
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, following his controversial return from Kenya, an operation his legal team has repeatedly described as an “extraordinary rendition”.
He retains the right to challenge the conviction and sentence at the Court of Appeal.
