Nnamdi Kanu Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Terrorism by Federal High Court in Abuja

Federal High Court Delivers Landmark Judgment

The Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria, on Thursday, November 20, 2025, delivered its judgment in the alleged terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Presiding Justice James Omotosho found Kanu guilty on multiple terrorism-related charges and subsequently sentenced him to life imprisonment. The highly anticipated verdict was broadcast live by several Nigerian television stations, including NTA, Channels TV, AIT, and TVC, allowing the public to follow the proceedings directly.

Conviction on Terrorism Charges

Kanu was convicted on several counts, including terrorism, treason, involvement with a banned separatist movement, inciting public violence through radio broadcasts, and defamation of Nigerian authorities. Justice Omotosho's ruling found him guilty on at least two counts, with some reports indicating conviction on all seven counts initially preferred against him by the Federal Government. The court was satisfied that Kanu had used his platform, particularly Radio Biafra, to incite violence and killings in furtherance of his separatist agitation for Biafra.

Trial Proceedings and Kanu's Conduct

Throughout the trial, Nnamdi Kanu, who also holds British citizenship, had dismissed his legal team and opted to represent himself. He had consistently argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him and that the charges were based on repealed laws. However, Justice Omotosho dismissed these preliminary objections, stating that the court had been 'extremely patient and lenient' with the defendant. During the judgment delivery, Kanu was reportedly ejected from the courtroom for 'unruly' behavior after interjecting and challenging the judge's authority.

Background of the Case

Nnamdi Kanu is widely known as the founder and leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group established in 2012 with the objective of restoring the defunct State of Biafra, which existed in Nigeria's Eastern Region during the Nigerian Civil War. The Nigerian government proscribed IPOB as a terrorist organization in 2017. Kanu's legal battles have been protracted, marked by his initial arrest in 2015, subsequent bail, disappearance, and controversial re-arrest and extradition from Kenya in 2021. Prosecutors had sought the death penalty for Kanu, but Justice Omotosho stated he chose to temper justice with mercy, imposing a life sentence on certain counts and lesser concurrent sentences on others.