A dramatic scene unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday when the televised ruling on the leader of the Indigenous People of...
A dramatic scene unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday when the televised ruling on the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, regarding terrorism charges concluded with a life sentence, as reported by UTHMAN SALAMI.
No one was ready for the event that took place during the sentencing of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, on Thursday.
Despite the prosecution's request for a conviction leading to the death penalty, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja imposed a life sentence on him following a highly anticipated ruling on terrorism charges that had been pending for ten years.
Kanu's legal issues began on October 14, 2015, when he was initially detained under an 11-count indictment that was subsequently modified, involving allegations of terrorism, treasonous felony, leading an illegal organization, and disseminating harmful information.
Prior to the final ruling being announced in a live television transmission on Channels Television (and other channels) on Thursday, the courtroom had been filled with tension from the beginning.
The registrar of the Federal High Court informed the News Agency of Nigeria that the ruling would be broadcast live, leading to the presence of camera crews from NTA, Channels TV, AIT, TVC, and other outlets.
Kanu, who disappeared after not showing up in court in 2015, was finally caught on Sunday, June 27, 2021.
His courtroom proceedings, right from the start, were filled with unexpected developments and disputes, including instances where he rejected his attorneys and chose to defend himself.
On Thursday, the courtroom was completely filled, featuring lawyers, reporters, and TV crews, each camera positioned for the live broadcast that the court had approved during the day.
Dressed in his usual outfit, which he had worn without change since his arrest in Kenya and later being sent to Nigeria, Kanu was at the courtroom rail, holding a microphone as he went through a pile of papers.
In the near-silent courtroom, he spoke to the court: “My Lord, I am the defendant/appellant, representing myself. I must respectfully use the following as my argument in support of this motion, which I personally submitted and provided to the prosecution.”
The court heard him reading one page after another, occasionally adjusting the microphone.
My argument is straightforward," he continued. "This court does not have the authority to prosecute me.
This court is openly violating an appellate court—the Supreme Court—specifically concerning count seven, which is not part of the laws of this country and which the Supreme Court ordered this court to correct. This has not been done.
At this stage, proper conduct was maintained, but the atmosphere in the courtroom quickly changed when the judge instructed Kanu to seek advice from his "advisor."
"The consultant, you should visit the defendant to inform him about the process here. I believe he has submitted his written address supporting all the motions. Therefore, he should not repeat what he mentioned in his written statement," Justice Omotosho advised.
The brother of Kanu, who was once part of his legal team and is now serving as a consultant, came to the dock and spoke softly to him. This lasted for several seconds.
Soon after, Kanu continued his arguments, maintaining that the court had no authority and highlighting the appellate court's ruling on count seven.
“Why should I be in detention over charges that don’t exist, My Lord?” he asked.
However, Justice Omotosho objected, pointing out that Kanu did not submit his defense or deliver his closing argument within the given timeframe.
The defendant submitted three requests after the case was postponed to today for a ruling," the judge stated. "The defendant filed a motion on November 17, 2025, requesting two forms of relief.
Kanu's actions involved a request submitted on November 11, instructing the prosecution to submit its final written argument; another dated November 12, seeking the court to refer constitutional matters from the trial to the Court of Appeal; and a third dated November 17, requesting his release on bail.
Nevertheless, the judge dismissed them, saying, "Bail requests can be either bail during the trial or bail during the appeal. This particular application presented to this court does not belong to those categories of bail requests."
Conflict arose as the judge was about to announce his decision. Kanu stood up from the defendant's area and spoke out abruptly.
My Lord, I have a protest. A last statement is a right guaranteed by the constitution. I must be allowed!
As the court attempted to bring in his advisor, Kanu spoke up loudly.
My Lord, allow me to conclude," he insisted, lifting his left index finger. "I need to deliver my final speech. I have the right to present my address. I must provide my last written statement. It is outlined in the constitution.
Even after the judge repeatedly advised him to stay calm and behave properly, Kanu's nervousness grew worse, causing waves of tension in the already strained courtroom.
"I urge you to act appropriately. This is (a) temple of justice," Justice Omotosho started.
But Kanu interjected once more, stating, "Prove to me where it says I'm not allowed to read my last message! Prove it! Let them prove it!"
"You have the right to challenge my decision," the judge said.
If Kanu refused to comply, Judge Omotosho instructed his removal from the courtroom.
"Remove the microphone from him," the judge commanded.
As security officers drew near, Kanu put up a fight.
I stated, leave it! I am being tried and I need to speak. Pay attention to me—I am under investigation.
The conflict was broadcast live across the country's television networks. His sibling and two additional officers tried to soothe him, yet he kept going.
You aren't familiar with the law! Which law allowed you to deny my final written statement? You aren't familiar with the law.
As one of the agents moved to grab him, Kanu quickly interrupted, "Don't touch me! Crazy people! You aren't familiar with the law, Omotosho. Prove it to me!"
As he was being led away, he gestured toward a lawyer sitting at the prosecution table and exclaimed, "God will punish you, both now and for all eternity!"
Just as he was about to leave completely, he turned once more. "Let it be noted—any decision made here in this courtroom is nonsense!"
The court ultimately issued the verdict without his presence.
Kanu received a life sentence for charges one, four, five, and six; 20 years in prison for charge three (with no possibility of a fine); and five years in prison for charge seven (also without the option of a fine). All sentences will be served at the same time.
Justice Omotosho additionally set specific custody terms, referencing Kanu's history of violence and the seriousness of his conduct.
He decided that Kanu should not remain at Kuje Correctional Centre, but instead be placed in protective custody with high-level security (location not revealed).
Kanu is prohibited from owning or using any electronic devices—such as mobile phones, computers, and tablets—and can only use one at a later time if given explicit permission and under the direct oversight of the National Security Adviser.
The court further mandated the irreversible transfer of all transmitters and broadcasting devices owned by IPOB or utilized by Radio Biafra to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Justice Omotosho stated, "Our God is full of compassion. Nnamdi Kanu has been found guilty, and this court is showing mercy to him because we ourselves must also be compassionate. The court intends to impose the death penalty on the convicted individual due to the heinous acts he committed."
The prisoner has displayed no regret for his deeds; he continues to be proud and self-assured, unaware of the seriousness of his offense and the impact of his actions on his community. Even though I am not entirely convinced,
I need to balance justice with compassion. The death penalty is increasingly being rejected by the global community. For the sake of justice, I hereby sentence the convicted individual to life in prison for charges one, four, five, and six, rather than imposing the death penalty, as life is considered sacred by God.
Following the verdict, Kanu, via his legal advisor, Alloy Ejimakor, dismissed the life imprisonment sentence, called the decision invalid, and indicated intentions to challenge the ruling in upper courts.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
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