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Tag: Nnamdi Kanu

  • Igbo Monarch Urges Tinubu to Free Nnamdi Kanu

    An Igbo traditional ruler has called on President Bola Tinubu to release detained separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu, warning that anger among youths in the South-East is rising.

    Lawrence Agubuzor, monarch of Ezzagu community in Enugu State, said he felt deep distress over Kanu’s continued detention, which he claimed has heightened tension in the region.

    “I do not understand the pain in my heart when Nnamdi Kanu is in Sokoto. So sad. The ball stops in your court. Bring this man out,” he said in a public appeal directed at the president.

    Agubuzor warned that many young people see traditional leaders as ineffective for failing to secure Kanu’s release. He said some youths now accuse elders of betrayal and distrust their visits to Abuja, believing they go there for personal gain.

    The monarch urged the government to either free Kanu or send him back abroad if he is not wanted in Nigeria. He referenced Kenya and London as places where Kanu previously stayed.

    Kanu, leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra movement, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for separatist linked with agitation offences and  incarcerated in Sokoto custody. His case has drawn strong reactions across the South-East, where supporters demand his release and critics accuse authorities of prolonging the crisis.

    Agubuzor’s appeal reflects growing pressure from regional voices urging political dialogue.

  • Nnamdi Kanu’s IPOB Ends Monday Sit-at-Home Across South-East

    Nnamdi Kanu’s IPOB Ends Monday Sit-at-Home Across South-East

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the permanent cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East, ending a protest that has disrupted daily life and economic activity in the region for almost five years.

    In a statement issued on Sunday, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful said the directive came directly from the group’s detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who urged residents to return to normal activities without fear.

    According to the statement, Kanu said there was no longer any justification for the sit-at-home and called for the full restoration of social and economic life across the South-East.

    “The Indigenous People of Biafra, under the leadership of Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, hereby announces that the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East is officially and permanently cancelled with effect from Monday, February 9, 2026,” the statement said.

    IPOB warned that any individual or group attempting to enforce a sit-at-home going forward would be acting against Kanu’s instruction. Residents were urged to reopen markets, resume work, and send children back to school.

    The Monday sit-at-home began in 2021 after Kanu’s arrest and extradition to Nigeria to face terrorism-related charges. It was initially limited to days of his court appearances but later became a weekly event.

    Over time, enforcement of the protest turned violent in some areas, with attacks, threats and intimidation reported. Although IPOB announced suspensions on several occasions, compliance continued in many communities due to fear of reprisals.

    The prolonged shutdowns caused heavy economic losses, repeated school closures and growing frustration among residents. South-East governors repeatedly called on people to ignore the sit-at-home and return to work.

    In recent months, some state governments took tougher steps to end the practice. Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo ordered markets and schools to open on Mondays and warned that enforced closures would no longer be tolerated.

    Soludo also threatened sanctions against public servants who failed to report for duty, insisting there was no official sit-at-home policy in the state.

    With IPOB now declaring a final end to the action, residents across the South-East are expected to resume normal life from Monday.

  • Sowore Says Nnamdi Kanu Has Become a ‘Celebrity’ in Sokoto Prison

    Sowore Says Nnamdi Kanu Has Become a ‘Celebrity’ in Sokoto Prison

    Activist and politician Omoyele Sowore says the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has become a “celebrity” inside the Sokoto Custodial Centre.

    Sowore spoke to reporters at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he argued that the government would eventually regret sentencing Kanu to life imprisonment. The court had recently ordered Kanu’s transfer to Sokoto, a decision that has drawn renewed criticism from his supporters.

    According to Sowore, the situation has backfired on authorities. He claimed Kanu has gained unusual influence among inmates, describing him as “president of the prison,” a title he suggested was given out of respect.

    He insisted that the judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho would be reversed in the future. “Very soon you will see them undo the fundamental mistake they made regarding Kanu,” he said.

    Sowore added that many of those who previously declined to protest Kanu’s imprisonment were now seeking ways to visit him in custody. He called on Kanu’s family to allow him help manage visitation so the public can witness the level of support the IPOB leader now commands.

    He also compared the situation to past instances where judges were pressured to revisit controversial decisions. “When they were taking him to Sokoto, they thought they would ridicule him. Instead, he turned Sokoto into another Mecca,” Sowore said.

    He criticised the government’s handling of the case, arguing that the decision to jail Kanu had strengthened rather than weakened his influence. “They don’t have people who can reason in government. You jailed Kanu, and he’s now a celebrity in prison,” he said.

  • Gumi Says He’ll Support Pardon for Kanu if He’s Remorseful

    Gumi Says He’ll Support Pardon for Kanu if He’s Remorseful

    Sheikh Ahmad Gumi says he will back a pardon for Nnamdi Kanu if the IPOB leader expresses remorse and publicly calls for peace. He made the comment on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, where he discussed Nigeria’s security challenges.

    Kanu was convicted by the Federal High Court in Abuja on seven terrorism charges, including inciting attacks on security forces.

    Gumi said a genuine shift from Kanu would change the conversation. He pointed to past decisions by former Presidents Shehu Shagari and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who granted amnesty to secessionist leader Odumegwu Ojukwu and Niger Delta militants.

    He argued that the same approach could help reduce tension today.

    Gumi restated his view that the country must rely more on dialogue and less on force, especially in the northern region. He said Nigeria would be safer if the government prioritised reconciliation and opened channels for armed groups willing to stand down.

    He questioned why authorities always assume military action is the only solution, noting that major powers have also struggled against guerrilla fighters.

    He said some groups, including armed herders, respond when invited to talks, even if they attend armed for protection. But he questioned whether the same outreach is possible with IPOB or Boko Haram.

    Gumi added that peace efforts succeed only when both sides show interest, and he would support any group or individual who chooses that path.

  • Steps Activated for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release– Gov Otti

    Steps Activated for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release– Gov Otti

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti says he has taken steps to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Otti disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, days after Kanu received a life sentence from the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling on November 20, convicting Kanu on multiple charges. Despite the judgment, Otti said efforts to free the IPOB leader had started before the sentencing and would continue. He noted that Kanu still has the right to appeal the verdict.

    The governor said he had been working with senior officials in the federal government and had shared key agreements reached during earlier engagements. According to him, he communicated these discussions to Kanu during a visit to the Department of State Services (DSS) facility in Abuja, where the IPOB leader remains in custody.

    “While Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is free to appeal his conviction, I’m happy to inform you that I have activated and will continue to work on the already agreed strategy until his freedom is secured,” Otti said.

    He added that his intervention aligns with ongoing talks held at what he described as “the highest authorities” in the country. Otti did not reveal specific details of the agreements or the strategy being implemented but stressed that the goal remains Kanu’s release.

    The governor’s comments come amid renewed debate in the South-East over Kanu’s imprisonment and its impact on regional security. His continued detention has long been a major point of tension, with political leaders, elders and groups in the region repeatedly calling for a political solution.

  • Judge Cites Bible, Sends Kanu to Life in Prison

    Judge Cites Bible, Sends Kanu to Life in Prison

    Justice James Omotosho on Thursday sentenced Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment and said he reached the decision after reflecting on Christian teachings on mercy.

    The ruling came after a seven-hour session in Abuja, where the judge quoted the Book of Matthew and said he chose life imprisonment instead of the death penalty.

    Omotosho said Kanu’s statements and broadcasts amounted to terrorism under Nigerian law. He cited threats, sit-at-home directives, and remarks that “everything called Nigeria will perish.” He ruled that the evidence showed a pattern of violence linked to his orders.

    He said Kanu’s conduct in court, including interruptions during the judgment, justified removing him from the courtroom, noting that a defendant cannot disrupt proceedings and then claim denial of fair hearing.

    The judge ordered that Kanu be kept in a secure facility outside Kuje prison due to past jailbreaks and concerns for his safety. He also asked authorities to bar him from digital devices.

    South-East leaders urged calm and said they would pursue a political solution. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu said, “All hope is not lost,” and expressed confidence that President Tinubu would consider intervention now that the court phase is over.

    Kanu’s legal consultant, Aloy Ejimakor, said they would appeal the ruling. He described the judgment as a “travesty” and said the Court of Appeal would have the final word.

    The sentencing triggered mixed reactions, but major cities in the region remained calm, with normal business activities in Aba, Umuahia, and Owerri.

  • Nnamdi Kanu: Igbo Leaders Reject Judge, Claim Scripted Ruling

    Nnamdi Kanu: Igbo Leaders Reject Judge, Claim Scripted Ruling

    South-East leaders have rejected the life sentence handed to Nnamdi Kanu, accusing Justice James Omotosho of delivering a judgment “written in advance.” Their criticism followed Thursday’s ruling in Abuja that convicted the IPOB leader on terrorism charges.

    Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene of Ohanaeze Ndigbo said the verdict marked “another black day” for the region. He argued that the judgment violated fair hearing and claimed the judge acted on instructions. He questioned why Boko Haram fighters receive state amnesty while Kanu faces life imprisonment.

    The Coalition of South-East Youth Leaders said the ruling sparked fear across the region. Its president, Goodluck Ibem, asked President Bola Tinubu to step in and pursue a political solution. He said Kanu’s case now affects national unity and the sense of belonging among Igbo citizens.

    The South East Revival Group also criticised the judgment, calling it a breach of due process. The group argued that the charges were based on a repealed terrorism law and urged the National Judicial Council to review the judge’s conduct. It said the Court of Appeal should overturn the conviction to protect the rule of law.

    Igbo community leaders in Abuja voiced concern that the ruling could disrupt the fragile calm in the South-East. They said the court ignored the deaths of IPOB members during clashes with security agencies.

    Despite the strong reactions, the region remained mostly peaceful. Markets and banks operated as usual in Abia and Imo, though security presence increased around government buildings.

  • FG Seeks Death Sentence After Court Convicts Nnamdi Kanu

    FG Seeks Death Sentence After Court Convicts Nnamdi Kanu

    The Federal Government has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to impose the death penalty on Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, after his conviction on seven terrorism charges.

    Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling on Thursday, holding that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The court found Kanu guilty on all counts filed under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013.

    Following the conviction, the government’s lead counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, urged the court to apply the maximum sentence permitted by law. He said the Act prescribes the death penalty for several of the offences for which Kanu was convicted.

    Awomolo told the court that “nothing further remains but the lawful imposition of sentence,” adding that Section 12H of the Act makes death the mandatory punishment for Counts One, Two, Four, Five and Six. He argued that the court had no discretion on those counts and should impose the penalty as required.

    After the submission, Justice Omotosho stood the matter down and said the court would resume sitting at 3:50 p.m. He is expected to deliver the sentencing decision after reviewing arguments from both sides.

  • Court Convicts Nnamdi Kanu on One Count After Outburst

    Court Convicts Nnamdi Kanu on One Count After Outburst

    The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday convicted Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on count one of the charges against him. The court held that Kanu failed to present a defence or challenge the evidence brought by prosecutors.

    Justice James Omotosho, delivering the ruling, said the prosecution’s case stood “unchallenged” after Kanu declined to enter a proper defence and was removed from the courtroom for repeated disruptive conduct. He ruled that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and entered a conviction on the first count.

    Earlier, the judge directed that proceedings — including delivery of judgment — would continue without Kanu present. Security officers escorted him out after he shouted accusations of bias and refused to follow courtroom instructions.

    Tension rose during the session when the court dismissed Kanu’s latest bail application. Kanu protested the ruling, demanding to know the legal basis for withholding bail and calling the court’s decisions “premeditated.” Justice Omotosho urged him to compose himself and reminded him of his right to appeal before ordering his removal.

    The court found that Kanu’s bail request did not meet the categories allowed under Section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. The judge also noted that the defence had already filed its final address, in line with an earlier court order.

    Despite this, Kanu insisted he retained the right to present a final written address. He argued that the court should not proceed to judgment before hearing him. Witnesses said the courtroom became chaotic as security personnel prepared to take him out while he continued to demand a hearing.

    Justice Omotosho had fixed November 20 for judgment after ruling that Kanu failed to open his defence within the six days allocated. Kanu had also filed a motion challenging the validity of the terrorism charges, arguing that the repeal of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act made the charges unlawful. He asked the court to strike out the case, quash his plea, and order his release, claiming the charges disclosed no offence known to law.

    In addition, Kanu has lodged a fresh appeal seeking to halt the trial court’s judgment. The Court of Appeal has not set a hearing date and has issued no interim orders.

  • Court Gives Nnamdi Kanu Deadline to Defend Terrorism Charges

    Court Gives Nnamdi Kanu Deadline to Defend Terrorism Charges

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has given Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), until November 5 to defend the terrorism charges filed against him or lose his right to do so.

    Justice James Omotoso issued the order on Tuesday after Kanu again refused to open his defence, insisting there was no valid charge against him. The judge advised him to seek the help of criminal law experts or officially appoint a lawyer to represent him.

    Kanu, who represented himself, told the court that his detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) was unlawful. He argued that the charges were invalid and that he should not return to custody until they were properly filed.

    He accused the court of ignoring a Supreme Court judgment which, he claimed, condemned his extraordinary rendition from Kenya. Kanu maintained that the terrorism charges were baseless and demanded to be discharged immediately.

    Citing Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution, he argued that no law currently defines terrorism as a crime in Nigeria. He claimed the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act had been repealed, saying he could not be tried under a non-existent law.

    “The Constitution is the supreme law. There is no valid charge against me,” he told the court, urging it to acknowledge the repeal of the law.

    After several failed attempts to convince Kanu to begin his defence, Justice Omotoso adjourned the matter until November 5, 2025. The judge said it would be Kanu’s final chance to present his case or forfeit his defence.

    During the hearing, Federal Government counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) objected to documents submitted by Kanu, claiming they were unsigned and lacked legal value. He asked the court to disregard them and set a date for judgment.

    Justice Omotoso rejected the objection, noting that the documents in the court’s record were properly signed and showed proof of payment.

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