On November 20, 2025, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court convicted Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on all seven terrorism counts, sentencing him to life imprisonment.
The judge detailed the sentences as follows: life imprisonment for counts 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6; 20 years for count 3; and 5 years for count 7, all to run concurrently, with no option for a fine.
- Count 1: Terrorism through incendiary Radio Biafra broadcasts – Life
- Count 2: Belonging to and directing an unlawful society (IPOB) – Life
- Count 3: Directing violent sit-at-home orders and attacks – 20 years
- Count 4: Inciting people to burn police stations and kill security folks tied to 2020 #EndSARS protests.
– Life - Count 5: Directing attacks on civilians and government property – Life
- Count 6: Giving instructions on the manufacture of explosive devices – Life
- Count 7: Illegal importation and possession of a radio transmitter – 5 years
The court rejected the prosecution’s request for the death penalty, citing international standards. However, the judge characterised Kanu as “arrogant and unrepentant” throughout the trial.
Central to Kanu’s defence was his claim of “extraordinary rendition” – an alleged illegal abduction from Kenya in June 2021, where he was reportedly hooded, sedated, and smuggled back to Nigeria without due process. Kanu argued this violated international law and stripped the court of jurisdiction.
While the Court of Appeal initially ruled in his favour in October 2022, discharging him and ordering his release, the Supreme Court overturned this decision on December 15, 2023.
The Supreme Court acknowledged the illegality of the rendition but, citing the “Ker-Frisbie doctrine,” a U.S. legal principle that allows trials despite unlawful arrests. Justice Omotosho yesterday reaffirmed this, dismissed Kanu’s objections, and the case proceeded to judgment.
The judge ordered the forfeiture of all broadcasting equipment to the Federal Government and directed that Kanu remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) pending appeal.
The lead prosecutor, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), stated that the judgment “sends a strong message that no one is above the law.” Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, described the verdict as “a travesty of justice” and confirmed an immediate appeal.
Security has been heightened in the South-East following the ruling. The case, which began in 2015, has been one of the most politically charged trials in Nigeria’s recent history.
Administrator and Writer
