Terrorism Charges: Judge reveals reasons for not sentencing Nnamdi Kanu to death

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has explained why he opted for a life sentence instead of the death penalty for Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

On Thursday, Justice Omotosho sentenced the separatist leader to life imprisonment upon his conviction for the offence of terrorism.

The ruling is in relation to counts one, two, four, five and six of the seven-count charge in which he was prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS).

For count three, relating to the offences of belonging to a proscribed terrorist group, Justice Omotosho sentenced him to 20 years’ imprisonment without an option of fine.

On count seven, relating to his unlawful importation of a radio transmitter for the purpose of furthering the clandestine activities of Radio Biafra, which is not registered in Nigeria, the judge sentenced him to five years’ imprisonment without an option of fine.

The judge noted that the sentence for Nnamdi Kanu was the death penalty, but that he had to show mercy because of the teachings of the Holy Book.

According to him, the death penalty is gradually being abolished in many countries, while religious doctrines also advocate mercy.

Quoting a portion of the book of Matthew, Justice Omotosho pointed out that Jesus Christ taught His followers to show mercy.

Justice Omotosho further held that Kanu’s confinement must be in a facility suitable for his status, noting that the Kuje Correctional Centre would not achieve the intended purpose of the sentence.

He ordered that the IPOB leader be placed in protective custody at any secure location in the country.

The court also ruled that Kanu must not have access to electronic devices unless under strict monitoring by the Office of the National Security Adviser.

In addition, the judge ordered the forfeiture of the transmitter used for Kanu’s broadcasts to the Federal Government, adding that other equipment linked to the case would also be confiscated if no appeal is filed.

He concluded by saying the IPOB leader has 90 days to appeal his life imprisonment sentence but if he fails to do so the Federal High Court Abuja will give consequential orders.

Nnamdi Kanu was first arrested in 2015 but left the country in 2017 while on bail after a military raid on his home. His bail was later revoked in 2019.

In 2021, he was rearrested in Kenya and brought back to Nigeria, though his lawyers claimed he was mistreated before his transfer, an allegation Kenya denied.

During his time abroad, Kanu regularly used social media and Radio Biafra broadcasts to criticise the Nigerian government. Officials said his messages encouraged attacks on security agencies.

He pleaded not guilty in 2021 to seven charges, including terrorism, treason and spreading false information about former President Muhammadu Buhari.

What do you think the judgement means for terrorism in Nigeria? Let’s know your views in the comment section.

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