ABUJA — The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday sentenced the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment after finding him guilty on all seven counts of terrorism filed by the Federal Government.

Delivering judgment, Justice James Omotosho held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, citing a series of incendiary broadcasts on Radio Biafra in which Kanu allegedly ordered attacks on security personnel and issued directives that incited violence across the South-East.

The court ruled that Kanu’s sit-at-home order constituted an act of terrorism, noting that it violated citizens’ freedom of movement and demonstrated an intent to intimidate the populace. Justice Omotosho added that Kanu lacked any constitutional authority to issue such directives.

The judgment was delivered in Kanu’s absence after he reportedly disrupted proceedings. The judge ordered security operatives to remove him from the courtroom for what was described as unruly conduct.

According to the court, evidence presented during the decade-long trial showed that Kanu used his broadcasts to advance separatist violence and encourage attacks on police and military personnel. Justice Omotosho said the IPOB leader showed no remorse throughout the trial, describing his demeanour as “arrogant, cocky, and dismissive of the gravity of his actions.”

Opting against the death penalty, the judge imposed a life sentence, noting global concerns around capital punishment. Kanu, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, was convicted on all counts.