JUST IN: Nnamdi Kanu Jailed for Life Over Terrorism Offences

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment after convicting him on seven counts of terrorism charges.

Justice Omotosho, who presided over the case, found Kanu guilty of making broadcasts constituting acts of terrorism, including threats of violence and killings, and preparatory acts of terrorism.

The court deemed Kanu an “international terrorist” due to plans to “bomb the British High Commission and kill the then British High Commissioner Catriona Laing”.

The sentence, delivered in Kanu’s absence due to his unruly behaviour, includes life imprisonment on five counts and concurrent prison terms for other offences.

Kanu, who had pleaded not guilty, was accused of demonstrating “no restraint” and showing “aggressiveness and unruliness” during the trial.

The court ordered Kanu held in a suitable facility, monitored by the National Security Adviser, with restrictions on digital device access.

The prosecution had sought the death penalty, arguing terrorism poses a “great threat to humanity”.