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Nigerian separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu sentenced to life for terrorism
A Nigerian court has convicted Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob), on seven counts, including terrorism and treason, sentencing him to four concurrent life terms. Judge James Omotosho rejected prosecutors' calls for the death penalty, citing modern judicial opposition to executions.
Decade-long legal saga concludes with guilty verdict
The ruling follows a protracted case marked by procedural disputes and Kanu's repeated challenges to the court's authority. Earlier on Thursday, he was forcibly removed from the Abuja courtroom for disruptive conduct and was absent when the verdict was delivered. Security forces had reinforced the courthouse perimeter amid fears of protests by his supporters.
Justice Omotosho stated in his judgment that Kanu's broadcasts-part of his campaign for an independent Biafran state in Nigeria's south-east-incited violence and killings. "Mr. Kanu knew what he was doing," the judge said, adding that the defendant had failed to explain his actions despite opportunities to do so.
From London broadcasts to armed insurgency
Kanu, a British-Nigerian dual national, rose to prominence in 2009 after launching Radio Biafra from London, advocating for a sovereign Igbo state. In 2014, he founded Ipob, which Nigeria designated a terrorist organization in 2017. Its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), has since been linked to deadly attacks in the region.
Born in south-eastern Nigeria, Kanu studied at the University of Nsukka before relocating to the UK, where he acquired citizenship. His legal troubles began in 2015 with his first arrest, followed by a 2017 bail violation after a military raid on his home. He fled Nigeria but was rearraigned in 2021 under disputed circumstances-his lawyers allege he was abducted in Kenya, though Nairobi has never confirmed involvement.
"From the incontrovertible evidence, it is clear that the defendant carried out preparatory acts of terrorism. He had the duty to explain himself but failed to do so."
Justice James Omotosho, Federal High Court, Abuja
Historical echoes and muted local reaction
Kanu's movement taps into longstanding Igbo grievances over marginalization, rooted in the 1967-70 Biafran War, which killed up to a million people after a failed secession. While he remains a polarizing figure, initial reactions in Ipob's south-eastern stronghold have been subdued.
The verdict overturns a 2022 appeal court decision that had dismissed the charges on grounds of illegal extradition. Nigeria's Supreme Court reinstated the case in 2023, paving the way for Thursday's ruling.
Key timeline
- 2009: Launches Radio Biafra from London.
- 2014: Founds Ipob; group later banned as terrorist organization (2017).
- 2015: First arrest in Nigeria; jumps bail in 2017.
- 2021: Rearrested after four-year fugitive period; lawyers claim abduction in Kenya.
- 2022-2023: Appeal court dismisses charges; Supreme Court reinstates case.
- November 2025: Convicted on all counts; sentenced to life imprisonment.
