A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted Nnamdi Kanu of terrorism and ordered him to spend the rest of his life in prison.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling after finding the Indigenous People of Biafra leader guilty on all seven charges brought by the federal government.

Court Says Broadcasts Led to Killings and Destruction

The court held that Kanu used repeated radio broadcasts to encourage violence and push for attacks during his agitation for an independent Biafran state. It also added that he threatened state institutions on air.

The judge said the broadcasts triggered killings across several states. He said they also led to the destruction of police stations and arson at Independent National Electoral Commission offices.

Kanu received life terms on four counts. He also received a 20 year sentence and a five year sentence. The judge ordered the sentences to run at the same time.

Judge Cites Religious Reason for Avoiding Death Penalty

Justice Omotosho noted that he chose life imprisonment rather than the death penalty because of a personal religious belief. He described Kanu as cocky during the long running trial, which began in 2015. He also accused the defendant of disrupting proceedings on several occasions.

The court ordered the forfeiture of a seized radio transmitter. It said the prosecution proved that more than 170 security personnel were killed and 134 police stations were destroyed after Kanu’s broadcasts. It added that several INEC offices were also burnt.

The judge linked him to calls that encouraged attacks during the 2020 EndSARS protests. He also linked him to instructions on how to make explosives.

Court Labels Kanu an International Terrorist

Justice Omotosho called him an international terrorist. The court said his broadcasts once urged attacks on the British High Commission in Nigeria.

The court ruled that Kanu imported a radio transmitter illegally. It rejected arguments that the wrong law was applied. It held that the offence existed under Nigerian law and that Kanu intended to use the transmitter for Radio Biafra.

Court Dismisses Motions and Excludes Kanu From Final Ruling

Before sentencing, Rep Obinna Aguocha asked for leniency. He urged the court to consider peace in the South East. The judge cut him off and asked him to limit his remarks.

Prosecutors pushed for the death penalty. During the session, Kanu interrupted several times and argued that the judge lacked authority to rule without accepting his written address.

Security officers removed him from the courtroom. Justice Omotosho then delivered the judgment without him present.

The court dismissed his motions. It refused bail and held that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act blocks any stay of proceedings in criminal trials.

A Trial That Spanned a Decade

Kanu was first arrested in 2015. The court granted him bail in 2017, but he fled during a military operation at his home in Afara Ukwu Ibeku.

Nigerian authorities rearrested him in Kenya in 2021 and brought him back that same month. He has remained in custody since then.

Thursday’s ruling ends nearly ten years of legal battles. It also follows a moment in 2022 when the Court of Appeal ordered his release before the Supreme Court reversed that decision.

South East Leaders Condemn Ruling

Former Senate Minority Leader Enyinnaya Abaribe argued that justice is not applied evenly to the South East. He said the judgment was expected. He compared the handling of Kanu’s case to government dealings with Boko Haram fighters.

Former Senate President Adolphus Wabara called the ruling harsh. He argued that Kanu is a political agitator and not a terrorist. He added that the matter will be appealed.

Igbo Groups Reject Verdict

The Igbo Women Assembly rejected the ruling. Its national president, Lolo Nneka Chimezie, argued that the court applied different standards to Igbo people.

Former minister Ihechukwu Madubuike said the outcome was not surprising. He expects the Court of Appeal to review it.

A traditional ruler in Umuahia, Eze Philip Ajomuiwe, argued that the ruling reflected deep hostility toward the Igbo.

Josef Onoh, a former South East spokesman for President Bola Tinubu, accused the federal government of double standards and pointed to rehabilitation programs for Boko Haram fighters.

The Igbo Community Association in Abuja argued that the court denied Kanu a fair hearing. It warned that the ruling could weaken fragile peace efforts.

Residents Respond Quietly Across South East States

In Imo State, many residents discussed the ruling quietly. Some said they were not surprised. Others argued that a political solution should have been attempted instead of a strict legal path.

Security officers surrounded the Abia State Government House in Umuahia. Armed police guarded the entrances and watched the movement of passersby.

The area stayed calm. Even so, public reaction across parts of the city remained tense and emotional.