Anger, Apathy Greet Life Imprisonment Sentence for Nnamdi Kanu

The life imprisonment sentence handed down to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has sparked a wave of anger, disappointment, and indifference across parts of the country.

Kanu, who was arrested in Kenya and returned to Nigeria under circumstances widely described as controversial, was convicted on seven terrorism-related charges by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Reacting to the ruling, a public affairs analyst who identified himself simply as Mr. Muo condemned the judgment as “kangaroo” and “a gang-up.”

“I do not know Kanu as a murderer or a terrorist. How do you charge one person with terrorism without trying the so-called foot soldiers who allegedly carried out the acts?” he queried.

Muo argued that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, insisting that the charges should not stand. According to him, Kanu’s actions amounted to speaking out against injustice and marginalisation, while individuals who openly defend or support banditry “walk freely.”

He added that many people in the Southeast support Kanu because he speaks to longstanding issues of marginalisation, including the absence of a seaport in the region despite its sizable trading population.

Another resident of Awka, who identified himself as Vin and described himself as a non-violent agitator, said the judgment did not come as a surprise. He recalled the alleged invasion of Kanu’s family home and the killing of several persons, noting that the incident was never thoroughly addressed.

Vin accused the prosecution of bias and claimed the outcome of the trial appeared predetermined. He urged President Bola Tinubu to consider a political solution, including granting Kanu amnesty through an executive order, arguing that such a gesture could influence Igbo support ahead of the next election cycle.

After nearly a decade of legal battles, Justice Omotosho on Thursday delivered the long-awaited judgment, sentencing Kanu to life imprisonment, four years after his controversial arrest in Kenya and subsequent extradition to Nigeria.

Kanu had faced seven amended counts bordering on terrorism.