In a landmark ruling, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court has sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment following a lengthy ten-year trial. The judgment was handed down on November 20, 2025, four years after Kanu’s controversial arrest in Kenya.

The court found Kanu guilty on seven counts related to terrorism, despite his insistence that he would not accept the judgment. The proceedings became dramatic, leading the judge to order security personnel to remove Kanu for “unruly behavior” during the session.

Justice Omotosho highlighted that Kanu’s broadcasts via Radio Biafra constituted acts of terrorism, stating that they incited violence and included a sit-at-home order that restricted freedom of movement in South-Eastern Nigeria. The judge affirmed that Kanu lacked constitutional authority to issue such orders and noted evidence of his encouragement of violence against law enforcement officials.

Having been convicted on all counts—despite maintaining his innocence—Kanu’s case marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with separatist movements and security challenges. Reactions to the ruling are expected as it reignites discussions about the state of governance and civil rights in the region.