Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been convicted of terrorism and sentenced to life imprisonment in Nigeria. Justice James Omotosho delivered the landmark verdict on 20 November 2025, concluding a trial that lasted over a decade.
The Rise of Nnamdi Kanu
Kanu first gained atttenntion during a 2012 protest in the United Kingdom, organized by Nigerians concerned about the rise of Boko Haram in northeast Nigeria. In a widely circulated interview, he warned:
“If nothing is done to stop Islamic extremism, we risk a violent disintegration of the country … It could lead to another civil war.”
A Complex and Controversial Trial
Later in 2012, Kanu founded IPOB, calling for the independence of the southeastern region of Nigeria, predominantly inhabited by the Igbo ethnic group. He leveraged Radio Biafra, based in London, and social media to rally supporters, creating one of Nigeria’s most influential separatist movements
Multiple Judges Over a Decade
- Nnamdi kanuin couy
The trial spanned ten years and involved five different judges:
- Magistrate Shuaibu Usman
- Justice Adeniyi Ademola
- Justice John Tsoho
- Justice Binta Nyako
- Justice James Omotosho
Frequent reassignments occurred after Kanu repeatedly requested judges to recuse themselves, citing a lack of confidence in the judiciary.
Bail, Re-arrest, and Extradition
In April 2017, Kanu was granted bail on health grounds but fled the country. He was arrested in Kenya in 2021 and forcibly repatriated to Nigeria. A Kenyan court later ruled that his removal violated his rights, awarding him 10 million Kenyan shillings (~$77,000). Despite this, the Nigerian trial resumed.
Pleading Not Guilty
Kanu denied all charges, arguing that the laws under which he was charged did not exist. His legal team successfully struck out eight of 15 original counts, leaving seven. In October 2022, the Court of Appeal dismissed all charges, but the Supreme Court of Nigeria overturned the ruling, sending the case back to Federal High Court. Kanu then chose to represent himself, claiming:
“There is no existing law in Nigeria under which the prosecution can bring these charges … Do not force me to enter a defense on a charge that does not exist.”
Conviction and Life Sentence
Justice Omotosho found Kanu guilty on all seven counts, including:
- Incitement to violence
- Enforcing sit-at-home orders
- Membership in a proscribed organization (IPOB)
- Illegal importation of broadcasting equipment for Radio Biafra
The court sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment, citing both international trends against the death penalty and judicial discretion to show mercy. For more details, see Telegraph NG.
The court also ordered:
- Protective custody due to security concerns (Vanguard NG)
- Confiscation of Radio Biafra equipment (Telegraph NG)
- Restriction from digital communications to prevent incitement (NDR NG)
Kanu was also labeled an “international terrorist”, as he had previously made threats against foreign missions, including the British and U.S. embassies (Standard Times NG).
Fallout: Violence in Southeast Nigeria
Since Kanu’s re-arrest, attacks in Nigeria’s southeastern region have intensified. Security forces report that the Eastern Security Network (ESN) — IPOB’s armed wing — has killed dozens of officers. Civilians have also been caught in the violence, especially during enforced sit-at-home orders. IPOB denies orchestrating the shutdowns, but gunmen have appeared in viral videos threatening continued lockdowns until Kanu is released.
Barrister Felix Jonathan, Secretary-General of the Association of Igbo Lawyers, told the BBC:
“I believe President Tinubu may pardon Kanu — I know he will not execute him.”
What’s Next
- Kanu’s legal team has announced plans to appeal the life sentence (Vanguard NG)
- IPOB continues to claim its commitment to peaceful self-determination (AP News)
- Reports indicate continued violence in Southeast Nigeria (AP News)
Further Reading
- Nigerian court sentences separatist Nnamdi Kanu to life in prison on terrorism charges
- Biafran separatist leader sentenced to life on terrorism charges by Nigerian court
- Nigeria separatists say they are committed to peaceful self-determination after leaders sentenced
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