IN A DEFINITIVE judgement that capped a day of dramatic and disruptive courtroom scenes, the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday convicted and sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment on multiple counts of terrorism.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the landmark judgement, which was broadcast live on national television, finding Kanu guilty on all seven counts brought against him by the Federal Government.
The proceedings, however, were nearly derailed by the defendant himself, who was forcibly removed from the courtroom after a vehement protest against the court’s authority to proceed.
The day began under the glare of television cameras, with the court having granted permission for a live broadcast of the anticipated judgment. Yet, the proceeding was immediately thrown into chaos as Justice Omotosho prepared to commence.
Kanu, representing himself, rose to interject, declaring, “My lord, there is no judgement today because we have joined issues in the matter.”
Despite judicial pleas for decorum, Kanu remained obstinate, arguing that a motion for a stay of proceedings was pending before the Court of Appeal and insisting on his right to file a final written address.
“My lord, you are biased. This is not law,” he asserted, confronting the judge directly. “Show me where it is written in the law that I can waive my right to final written address.”
After repeated attempts to calm the defendant, Justice Omotosho ordered operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) to remove Kanu from the courtroom.
The IPOB leader resisted, requiring DSS personnel to physically escort him out as he continued to challenge the legality of the trial.
Upon reconvening, the court invoked Section 266(1)(a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, which permits a trial to continue in the absence of an unruly defendant.
Justice Omotosho firmly stated that institutions must be respected and that no individual is above the law. “The sanctity of the court must be maintained,” he declared, noting a pattern of disruptive behaviour by the defendant.
Proceeding with the judgement in Kanu’s absence, Justice Omotosho systematically addressed the issues before him. He dismissed Kanu’s argument that the charges were invalid for being based on the repealed Terrorism Prevention Act of 2013.
The judge also ruled that Kanu’s refusal to open his defence, after being allocated six days to do so, meant the prosecution’s evidence remained “uncontroverted.”
The court found that the Federal Government had successfully proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Justice Omotosho was particularly scathing in his assessment of Kanu’s actions, stating that any self-determination effort not conducted within the confines of the law is illegal.
“It is unfortunate to note that the defendant, who called himself a freedom fighter, had terrorised his own people and those of his Christian faith,” the judge observed. “He is a terrorist and must be treated as such.”
Following the conviction, the court stood down for sentencing, reconvening later in the afternoon.
The Federal Government’s lead counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, urged the court to impose the death penalty, citing the loss of over 75 security personnel and numerous innocent citizens to violence he attributed to Kanu’s activities.
In a plea for leniency, Rep. Obi Aguocha, a lawmaker representing Kanu’s constituency, appealed to the court to temper justice with mercy.
Ultimately, Justice Omotosho sentenced Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment on counts one, four, five, and six, remarking that “life is sacred to God.”
On count three, he was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment, and on count seven, to three years. The sentences are expected to run concurrently.
The judgment brings to a close a highly contentious and closely watched trial, solidifying the government’s stance against the activities of IPOB and setting a significant legal precedent for the prosecution of terrorism charges in Nigeria.
