The sentencing was handed down in Kanu’s absence, as he had refused to attend the hearing, insisting that the court should not proceed with delivering judgment in the terrorism case filed against him by the Federal Government.
Kanu had earlier been convicted on seven counts of terrorism, including acts of incitement, issuing illegal stay-at-home orders in the South-East, promoting violence, and instructing the making of explosives to target government facilities. The court found that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, establishing his involvement in terrorist activities and membership of a proscribed organization.
During the trial, the Federal Government’s lead counsel had urged the court to impose the maximum penalty under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013, which allows for either the death penalty or life imprisonment for the offences for which Kanu was convicted.
Justice Omotosho emphasized that Kanu’s conviction was based on “uncontroverted evidence”, including video and audio recordings of his broadcasts, where he incited violence and threatened lives in pursuit of the secession of Biafra from Nigeria.
By delivering the life imprisonment sentence, the court concluded a major chapter in the government’s prosecution of Kanu and his activities under IPOB, reinforcing the legal consequences for terrorism and unlawful acts that threaten national security.
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