A Nigerian court on Thursday sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra separatist group, to life imprisonment after convicting him on seven terrorism-related charges.
Court rules Kanu’s broadcasts incited deadly violence
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja found that Kanu’s broadcasts from London-based Radio Biafra directly incited attacks on security forces and civilians across the southeast.
From fringe radio to national flashpoint
Kanu, a 58-year-old dual Nigerian-British citizen, launched Radio Biafra in 2009 while living in the United Kingdom, where he studied politics and economics. The station rapidly grew into a platform demanding the secession of Nigeria’s southeast as an independent Biafra.
He was first arrested in Lagos in 2015 on treason charges. Released on bail in 2017, he fled the country after soldiers raided his family home in Abia state – an operation his supporters labelled an assassination attempt.
From exile, his rhetoric became more extreme. In one recording played in court, Kanu told listeners: “We have one thing in common, all of us that believe in Biafra – a pathological hatred for Nigeria. I cannot begin to put into words how much I hate Nigeria.”
Kanu evaded capture until June 2021 when Nigerian authorities announced his arrest abroad and swift return to Abuja. His lawyers alleged illegal rendition from Kenya and mistreatment; Kenya denied any involvement.
Chaotic final day in court
Rearraigned on seven counts including terrorism, treason and spreading falsehoods against former president Muhammadu Buhari, Kanu pleaded not guilty.
The trial dragged through five judges, endless adjournments and fierce procedural disputes. Prosecutors presented audio and video evidence linking Kanu’s “sit-at-home” orders and threats to widespread violence in the region.
Kanu repeatedly changed lawyers, refused to present a defence and insisted the court had no jurisdiction.
Thursday’s session descended into disorder. Wearing his customary white outfit, Kanu shouted objections, accused the judge of bias and demanded proof of the law requiring a final written address. Security officials removed him from the dock before the verdict was delivered.
Judge rejects death penalty, opts for life
In a ruling that lasted several hours, Omotosho held that the prosecution had proved beyond reasonable doubt that Kanu’s words fuelled killings, arson attacks on police stations and widespread insecurity.
While recognising self-determination as a political right, the judge stressed that any secession attempt must follow Nigeria’s constitution.
Prosecutors had sought the death penalty. Omotosho rejected it, citing global disapproval of capital punishment and a need to temper justice despite Kanu’s “arrogance and lack of remorse”.
Kanu received life imprisonment on four main terrorism counts, 20 years for belonging to an unlawful society and five years for illegal importation of radio equipment – all to run concurrently. He has 90 days to appeal.
Shadows of the 1967-1970 civil war
Indigenous People of Biafra seeks independence for Nigeria’s Igbo-dominated southeast, reviving memories of the Biafran war that claimed more than one million lives, mostly through starvation.
To many young Igbo who feel marginalised, Kanu remains a hero. Yet authorities blame his movement – and armed groups claiming its name – for years of attacks and forced lockdowns, charges the group denies.
The southeast remained calm on Thursday evening, though anger flared online. Supporters vowed to pursue appeals, while analysts warned the sentence could either reduce violence or deepen feelings of alienation.
