Court Sentences Nnamdi Kanu To Life Imprisonment

In Abuja, on 20th November 2025, the Federal High Court delivered a decisive ruling in the high‑profile trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja formally convicted Kanu on seven counts of terrorism‑related offences, including incitement, issuing and enforcing “sit‑at‑home” orders that crippled the Southeast region’s economy, and allegedly giving instructions on bomb‑making and other violent acts. 

The court noted that while the right to self‑determination exists, it must align with Nigeria’s constitution and that any secession attempt or armed insurrection not anchored in legal process is unlawful. Justice Omotosho has sentenced Nnamdi Kanu to Life imprisonment for counts 1, 4, 5, and 6, saying that “life is sacred to God.”, for Count 3, Kanu got 20 years imprisonment without an option of fine, while Count 7 carries 5 years, also without an option of fine. The Justices also affirms that all sentences will run concurrently, tempering justice with mercy as opposed to the option of death penalty.

The court ruled that Kanu will be held in protective custody under strict security and will be completely barred from using any digital device, unless approved and directly supervised by the National Security Adviser (NSA).

Prior to this day, Kanu has been in custody since 2021 after being abroad and re‑extradited to Nigeria. The prosecution alleged his leadership role in IPOB’s operations, which included repeated stay‑at‑home orders backed by violence and economic sabotage.  

Socio‑politically, this outcome may affect IPOB’s momentum, the broader Biafra agitation, and Nigeria’s management of internal security. Will this signal a new chapter in Nigerian governance of separatism and terrorism?