Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was on Thursday given a life sentence after being found guilty on all seven charges by the Federal High Court in Abuja. Justice James Omotosho issued the judgment on Thursday afternoon, November 20, 2025, convicting Kanu on all charges, including the seventh
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was on Thursday given a life sentence after being found guilty on all seven charges by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Justice James Omotosho issued the judgment on Thursday afternoon, November 20, 2025, convicting Kanu on all charges, including the seventh count about the unlawful importation of broadcast equipment into the country for Radio Biafra operations.
The leader of IPOB faced a seven-count indictment, encompassing charges such as incitement, running an unlawful organisation, and involvement in activities considered threats to national security. Kanu has persistently refuted these allegations, maintaining that his conduct constitutes lawful political advocacy for self-determination.
The court ruled that his broadcasts, which included threats of violence and sit-at-home orders in the South East states, amount to terrorism.
Justice Omotosho sentences Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment on counts 1, 2, 4,5, and 6 instead of a death sentence. In count 3- sentenced to 20years imprisonment
For count 7, he received a 5-year sentence to run concurrently. The judge ordered Kanu be placed in a suitable facility, as Kuje Correctional Centre is not considered viable.
The judge says the court is minded to sentence Kanu to death but will temper justice with mercy. “He has not shown remorse despite his atrocities. In addition, the death penalty globally is now being frowned upon by the international community.”
Also, the judge gave a verdict that he should not be allowed close to any digital device. If he must have access to a digital device, he must be monitored by the NSA. The judge adds that he should be kept in the protective custody of any correctional centre around the country. His transmitter would be given to the federal government, the judge says.
Kanu had been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, following his controversial interception and return to Nigeria from Kenya, a process his legal team described as “extraordinary rendition”.
Before his appearance in court on November 20 for the judgment after ruling on November 7, the court had given him a six-day window to present his case, which elapsed without the defence calling any witnesses.
The Judge cited prosecution evidence, including video interviews in which Kanu made violent threats against Nigeria and its citizens, as the basis for the conviction. He was also found guilty of counts one and two of making a series of broadcasts to incite violence and killings, in furtherance of his separatist agitation for Biafra.
However, during the court ruling, the judge had earlier described Kanu’s behaviour in court as unruly and ordered that the trial continue without him. This came after the court dismissed three new motions he filed, which were found baseless.
Kanu had interrupted the ruling, claiming the court could not continue because he had not submitted his final written address. He also accused Justice Omotosho of bias and claimed that the judge lacked understanding of the law.
He raised his voice in court, demanding, “‘Which law states that you can charge me on an unwritten law? Show me. Omotosho, where is the law? Any judgment declared in this Court is complete rubbish.”
After a brief recess, the prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo, urged the court to continue the trial without Kanu, citing his disruptive conduct.
Justice Omotosho emphasized that, although a defendant has a constitutional right to be present at their trial, persistent misconduct can permit the proceedings to continue without them.
“If a defendant misconducts himself or acts in an unruly manner during the course of his trial, his trial can be conducted in his absence,” he stated. He further described the Court of Justice as a temple of God.
The judge noted Kanu’s repeated unruly behaviour and his decision not to present a defence, stating that Thursday’s session was for judgment and possible sentencing.
Following Kanu’s removal from the courtroom, the judge asked Kanu’s lawyers to give feedback on the sentence to Kanu.
The Judge implored them to act professionally. “It is abysmal that the defendant slapped his counsel in public. He has read the file since it was sent to him; no doubt, Kanu has not behaved properly. However, the court will not consider that in the sentencing.”
Justice Omotosho sentenced Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment after being found guilty of the 7-counts charges.
