BREAKING: Court sentences IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment amid dramatic scenes

Drama erupted at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday as Justice James Omotosho sentenced the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment on terrorism-related charges.

Tension escalated moments before the verdict was delivered. Kanu, who was absent during the judgment, had earlier insisted that the court "would not dare deliver judgment" in the terrorism case filed against him by the Federal Government. His remarks sparked chaos in the courtroom, prompting the presiding judge to order security operatives to "bundle him out of the courtroom for unruly behaviour."

Kanu was convicted on counts 1, 4, 5 and 6.

Delivering the verdict, Justice Omotosho said several of Kanu’s broadcasts on Radio Biafra were "explicitly crafted to instigate violence," noting that the IPOB leader’s rhetoric and directives amounted to acts of terrorism.

"The defendant used Radio Biafra as a tool of violence. His broadcasts constituted acts of terrorism. His intention, from all indications before this court, was anchored on violence," the judge said.

Justice Omotosho also held that Kanu’s sit-at-home orders across the South-East amounted to terrorism, describing them as a violation of citizens' freedom of movement.

"No individual, no matter how highly placed, has the constitutional power to direct citizens to remain indoors. Such an order is illegal and amounts to terrorism," he stated.

According to the judgment, evidence presented by the prosecution proved that Kanu engaged in "preparatory terrorism" through his broadcasts, in which he allegedly ordered the killing of police and military officers.

"From the evidence before this court, the defendant ordered attacks on security agents. Such directives are acts of terrorism against the Federal Republic of Nigeria," the judge ruled.

Justice Omotosho further directed that Kanu must not be allowed access to any computer devices, adding that if he is permitted to use a mobile phone, it must be under strict supervision.