Judge Rules Kanu’s Broadcasts, Sit-at-Home Orders Amounted to Terrorism

In a landmark judgment that has sparked nationwide debate, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court has sentenced Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment, bringing an end to a decade-long legal battle.

Akahi News gathered that the judgment was delivered on Thursday — four years after Kanu was arrested in Kenya under contentious circumstances and returned to Nigeria to face trial. He had been standing trial on seven counts bordering on terrorism.

Judgement Delivered in Absentia After Courtroom Drama

According to details obtained by Akahi News, the verdict was handed down in Kanu’s absence after he reportedly insisted that judgment would not be delivered in the terrorism case filed against him by the Federal Government.

His stance triggered a brief confrontation in the courtroom, resulting in the presiding judge ordering security agents to remove him for what was described as “unruly behaviour.”

Justice Omotosho held that several of Kanu’s broadcasts on Radio Biafra constituted acts of terrorism. He further ruled that Kanu’s persistent sit-at-home orders in the South-East “violated citizens’ fundamental right to freedom of movement” and amounted to unlawful coercion.

Court: Kanu’s Orders Encouraged Violence

Delivering the judgement, Justice Omotosho asserted that evidence before the court showed that Kanu engaged in “preparatory terrorism” through broadcasts directing violent attacks on police and military officers.

He stated that the IPOB leader lacked constitutional authority to issue directives mandating citizens to sit at home, noting that such mandates were anchored on fear and had disrupted economic and social activities across the South-East.

Akahi News learnt that the court found him guilty on all seven counts, despite his pleas of not guilty throughout the trial.

Judge Cites Global Trends in Rejecting Death Penalty

In his remarks, Justice Omotosho said he considered both the law and global human rights standards before determining the sentence. According to him, international reservations about the death penalty informed his decision to opt for life imprisonment instead.

He stated:

“The death penalty globally is now being frowned upon by the international community. Consequently, in the interest of justice, I hereby sentence the convict to life imprisonment for counts one, four, five and six.”

The judge also criticised Kanu’s attitude throughout the trial, describing him as “arrogant and corky,” adding that the defendant “failed to show remorse or acknowledge the gravity of his actions.”

A Case That Shaped National Conversations

Observers told Akahi News that the judgment marks one of the most consequential rulings in Nigeria’s legal and political history. Kanu’s agitation for the secession of the South-East and his role in the organisation of IPOB have remained contentious topics across the country.

The ruling is expected to generate further reactions from political leaders, civil society organisations, and communities across the South-East.

With this judgement, the Federal High Court has set a defining precedent on the limits of political agitation, digital broadcasts, and civic directives in Nigeria. As the nation weighs the implications of this ruling, Akahi News will continue to provide updates and informed analysis on the unfolding developments.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org