Federal High Court in Abuja convicts the IPOB leader on seven terrorism-related counts and imposes life imprisonment on four counts.
Nnamdi Kanu in court
The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment after convicting him on seven terrorism-related counts.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Thursday, November 20, 2025, following a trial that had lasted several years.
The court found Kanu guilty on all seven counts. Justice Omotosho sentenced him to life imprisonment on Counts One, Four, Five and Six, instead of the death sentence sought by the Federal Government.
He also sentenced Kanu to 20 years imprisonment on Count Three and five years imprisonment on Count Seven, with no option of a fine. The judge ordered that all the sentences run concurrently.
Before sentencing, counsel to the Federal Government, Adegboyega Awomolo, had asked the court to impose the death penalty on several of the counts following Kanu’s conviction.
The prosecution had argued that it proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. During the judgment, the court considered evidence relating to Kanu’s broadcasts and statements that the prosecution said amounted to threats and acts of terrorism.
The judge also directed that Kanu be kept in a correctional facility considered suitable for his custody. The court further ordered restrictions on his access to digital devices, with any permitted access to be monitored by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Kanu’s legal team rejected the judgment and said it would challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal. His legal consultant, Aloy Ejimakor, said immediately after the sentencing that the defence would appeal.
On February 4, 2026, Kanu filed a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal challenging his conviction and the sentences imposed by the Federal High Court. In his appeal, he raised several legal and procedural grounds and asked the appellate court to quash his conviction and discharge and acquit him.
These are arguments advanced by Kanu in his appeal and are not findings of the Court of Appeal.
The case has been one of Nigeria’s most closely followed terrorism trials, with proceedings spanning several years.
The case remains before the appellate court.
Source: Channels Television