…To be placed under protective Custody
The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment after finding him guilty on multiple counts bordering on terrorism, membership of an unlawful organisation, and incitement.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Wednesday in a tense courtroom packed with security operatives, lawyers and observers. The sentencing brings to a close the most closely watched trial in recent years.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho held that the prosecution successfully established that Kanu’s actions and broadcasts contributed to violent attacks in parts of the South-East. The court ruled that the offences were “of a nature that threaten national security,” stressing that deterrence was necessary.
“The defendant, having been afforded every opportunity to defend himself in line with Section 36 of the Constitution, is hereby convicted.”
The Judge also ordered that Kanu will be kept in Protective Custody in any correctional facility in the country with no access to Mobile or Electrical communication devices.
Justice Omotosho proclaimed the verdict early this Thursday afternoon, November 20, 2025, after Kanu, who openly challenged his move to render judgement in the prolonged legal battle with the Federal Government, was escorted out of court by security operatives.
Justice Omotosho made the conviction in the first of seven counts slammed on the IPOB Leader. He is still ruling on the six other charges, all of which also carry a maximum of death sentence. Justice Omotosho is expected to announce Nnamdi Kanu’s sentence later.
Before announcing the conviction, Justice Omotosho accused Kanu of being unruly and disrespecting the court. He said that the rudeness of the IPOB Leader climaxed with his disruption of the court’s proceedings.
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, following his controversial interception and return to Nigeria from Kenya in circumstances his lawyers describe as “extraordinary rendition”.
He is facing seven terrorism-related charges bordering on alleged incitement, running an unlawful group, and acts threatening national security—allegations he vehemently denies.
Justice Omotosho, on November 7, fixed Thursday to deliver judgment in the charges brought against Kanu.
Justice Omotosho announced the date while ruling on the matter after Kanu failed to open his defence, having exhausted the six days allocated to him by the court to present his defence.
Kanu is entitled to challenge Omotosho’s ruling at the appellate court.
