S’East Rally For Political Way Over Kanu sentence

Nnamdi Kanu was sentenced to life in prison by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja after he was found guilty on seven terrorism-related charges brought against him by the Federal Government. The court session lasted for more than seven hours and ended in the late afternoon.

During the court sitting, Kanu interrupted the judge several times and questioned the legality of the process. Due to his actions, the judge ordered security officers to remove him from the courtroom. Despite his absence, the court continued the proceedings, stating that the law allows a trial to go on when a defendant behaves in a disorderly manner.

After reviewing the case, the judge sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment on five counts, 20 years on one count, and five years on another count. The judge ordered that all sentences should run at the same time. He stated that while the offences could have attracted the death penalty, he chose life imprisonment instead. The court also ordered that Kanu should not be held at the Kuje Correctional Centre due to security risks, and that he should not have access to any digital devices. The seized radio transmitter linked to Radio Biafra was forfeited to the government.

The court said Kanu’s broadcasts, threats, and sit-at-home orders led to loss of lives, destruction of property, and disruption of daily life in the South-East. The judge also noted that Kanu failed to present witnesses to back some of his claims, including allegations of illegal arrest and unfair treatment.

Soon after the judgment, South-East political leaders reacted by calling for calm and asking for a political solution. They said the issue has moved beyond the courtroom and should now be handled through dialogue and presidential intervention. They urged people in the region to remain peaceful and avoid violence.

Kanu’s legal consultants announced plans to challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal and, if necessary, the Supreme Court. They insisted that the trial was not fair and expressed hope that the conviction would be overturned.

Several Igbo groups and leaders rejected the judgment and described it as unfair. They called on the Federal Government to release Kanu and warned that the ruling could increase tension in the South-East. Some groups also questioned why Kanu was tried under laws they claimed were no longer in force.

Despite the life sentence, lawyers and political voices said the Federal Government still has the power to resolve the matter through political means, stating that the issue has become more political than legal in nature.