In a tense and marathon sitting that stretched over seven hours, the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment after finding him guilty on multiple terrorism charges.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the verdict after a dramatic session in which Kanu was forcibly removed from the courtroom for what the judge described as “unruly” behaviour—an interruption that saw the proceedings continue in his absence.
But as the judgment rippled across the country, South-East political leaders moved swiftly to douse tensions, insisting that a political resolution remained both possible and necessary.
Ben Kalu, the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, speaking on behalf of South-East leaders, said they would intensify efforts to secure Kanu’s release through political channels. “All hope is not lost,” he said. “Now that the court has concluded its work, it is time to pursue a political solution. We are sure the President is not averse to it.”
A volatile courtroom and a severe sentence
The proceedings began on a fractious note when Kanu challenged Justice Omotosho mid-sentence, accusing him of bias and disputing the legal basis of the charges. “Show me the law,” he demanded before the judge ordered security operatives to escort him out.
The court went on to convict Kanu on counts relating to terrorism, membership of a proscribed group, threats of violence, and the unlawful importation of a radio transmitter. Although the law permits the death penalty, Justice Omotosho said he opted for life imprisonment “in the interest of justice” and “in accordance with the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The judge accused Kanu of issuing threats that triggered killings, business shutdowns, and widespread fear across the South-East, asserting that his broadcasts amounted to terrorism under Nigerian law. He ordered that Kanu be held in a secure facility outside the Kuje Correctional Centre due to security concerns and barred him from access to digital devices.
Legal team vows to appeal
Outside the courthouse, Kanu’s legal consultant, Aloy Ejimakor, denounced the ruling as a “travesty of justice”, vowing to take the case to the Court of Appeal and, if necessary, the Supreme Court. “By God Almighty, Nnamdi Kanu is not going to stand convicted. This will be overturned,” he said.
South-East leaders condemn ruling
The verdict triggered a wave of condemnation across the South-East.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s former vice-president, Damian Okeke-Ogene, labelled the judgment “another black day for Ndigbo,” accusing the judge of acting out “a script.” The South-East Revival Group described the conviction as a “judicial aberration” and questioned the use of a repealed terrorism law.
The Coalition of South-East Youth Leaders warned that the ruling had stirred anxiety across the region and urged President Bola Tinubu to “temper justice with mercy.”
The Igbo Community Association in Abuja argued that the judgment threatened the fragile peace recently restored in the region, lamenting that the court did not acknowledge killings of IPOB members by security forces.
Senior lawyers in the region echoed calls for a political resolution, saying Kanu’s trial had always been more political than legal.
A region on edge — but calm for now
Despite fears of unrest, major cities in Abia and Imo states remained largely calm. Markets and banks operated normally in Owerri, though some schools closed early. Roads around Government House in the Imo capital were barricaded as a precaution.
In Kanu’s hometown of Afara Ukwu, the atmosphere was subdued but peaceful.
What comes next?
Thursday’s ruling sets the stage for a potentially protracted legal and political battle. While Kanu’s team prepares its appeal, South-East leaders are expected to lobby the presidency for a negotiated resolution.
For now, the region waits — tense, divided, and uncertain about whether the sentence marks the beginning of the end of a long-running conflict, or merely the start of a new chapter.
