After a prolonged legal battle, a Federal High Court in Abuja preside over by Justice James omitosho has sentenced the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment on four terrorism-related counts.
Delivering judgment this
Thursday, 20/11/22, Justice Omotosho ruled that Kanu be sentenced to life imprisonment on counts one, four, five and six.
He pointed out that the decision was influenced by considerations of justice, mercy and international legal standards.
“Although I’m not really persuaded, but I must temper justice with mercy. The court is moved by chapter 22, 23 verse 23 of Matthew, in the book of Matthew. So the fact that who unto you, striped and pharisees, hypocrites, for you pay tithes of means and anise, and cumin, and has permitted the weightier matter of the law, judgments, mercy, and feats, these odds you ought to abhor, particularly, and must notice the words in Matthew 23, verse 23, the word mercy.
“Our Lord himself is merciful. No matter what we do, he is a merciful God. It is on that note that the court will follow this abomination of Jesus Christ in the above passage and show mercy to the convicts,” the judge announced.
According to him, death penalty is increasingly discouraged globally.
“In addition, the death penalty globally is now being frowned upon by the international community.
Consequently, and in interest of justice, I hereby sentence the convict to life imprisonment for the said counts one, four, five, and six, instead of death sentence. Life is sacred to God,” he emphasized.
Dwelling on count three, the Judge who handed Kanu 20 years imprisonment without the option of a fine and five years for count seven, ordered that the sentences run concurrently.
Meanwhile a dramatic confrontation had unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja on as the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, openly challenged presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, during tense proceedings in his terrorism trial.
The heated moment erupted when Justice Omotosho moved to proceed without adopting a final written address from the defence—an action Kanu strongly opposed. Rising from the dock, Kanu sharply questioned the judge’s decision, declaring: “You don’t know the law. Show me where it says one can waive the right to a final address, Omotosho. Show me the law.”
According to reports, the courtroom fell silent as the exchange intensified, prompting security operatives to shift uneasily while court officials attempted to calm the situation.
Justice Omotosho, however, maintained that the defence had multiple opportunities to present its arguments but failed to do so within the stipulated timeframe.
He reiterated that the court would not allow its proceedings to be stalled by repeated objections and late filings.
Speaking moments after the Court delivered the guilty verdict, Honourable Obi Aguocha, the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia State, (Kanu’s Constituency) made an emotional plea for clemency on behalf of the detained IPOB leader.
Speaking directly to the trial judge, the House of Representatives Member appealed for leniency, urging the court to temper justice with mercy in the interest of national peace and stability.
“My Lord, I plead for mercy, I plead for clemency, and I appeal for peace and stability not just in the South-East, but in the entire country.
Nigeria is bleeding, and we must find common solutions to our common problems,” the lawmaker said in a trembling voice that echoed through the courtroom.
“My Lord, I am the direct representative of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in the House of Representatives. That is why you see me here almost every time the case comes up, showing presence and solidarity with him,” he stated.
