The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment.
Justice James Omotosho sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment on counts one, four, five, and six, instead of a death sentence.
The judge said Kanu ought to have been given the death penalty but for the global world that has frowned on the death penalty and because he decided to temper justice with mercy.
The judge also sentenced the IPOB leader to 20 years imprisonment on Count Three, and five years imprisonment on Count Seven, with no option of fine.
He said the sentence shall run concurrently.
The judge said: “I hereby sentence the convict to life imprisonment for counts one, four, five, and six, instead of death sentence.
“With respect to Count Three, he is hereby sentenced to 20 years imprisonment without no option of fine.
“For Count Seven, he is sentenced to five years imprisonment without no option of fine. To extend the mercy, I hereby order that the sentence shall run concurrently.”
Kanu had earlier objected to the ruling and challenged the court to show him the law that says he cannot be granted bail while the case is on trial.
He noted: “Show me the law. Justice Omotosho. Show me the law? Any judgement from this court is a kangaroo. It is premeditated.”
The judge replied:“This is the decision. I appeal to you to compose yourself. This is the Temple of Justice,” Justice Omotosho said, turning to Kanu, who appeared visibly agitated.
“Please, I beg you to compose yourself. You have the right to appeal. Can you excuse me?”
The judge later ordered that he should be removed from his court.
He also ordered that the proceedings — including the delivery of judgment — would continue in the absence of Nnamdi Kanu, citing the IPOB leader’s persistent “unruly behaviour” in the courtroom.
Security operatives subsequently escorted Kanu out of the courtroom as the judge moved on with the day’s proceedings.