Reactions have been trailing the life sentence passed on the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, by a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho on Thursday.

Various interest groups, political figures and public affairs commentators from across the country examined the development from different perspectives with some seeking political solutions and presidential intervention, even as lawyers review legal options available to Kanu.

Kanu’s conviction: IPOB rejects Omotosho’s judgment

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has rejected Thursday’s judgment of a Federal High Court in Abuja which convicted its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, on three of the seven terrorism charges filed against him by the Federal Government.

The group which alleged some fundamental defects and contradictions in the judgment, charged Justice James Omotosho to explain to the global community the particular section of the Nigerian Constitution that supported his ruling. This position underscores the no-case submission Kanu had earlier made in the course of his prolonged trial.

In a statement yesterday, IPOB’s spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful, dismissed the judgment, describing the trial of Kanu as “illegalities that define the recent ruling issued by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.”

The statement read in part: “The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) wishes to inform the global community, diplomatic missions, international media, and lovers of freedom that we shall, in the coming days and weeks, lay bare the fundamental defects, contradictions, and illegalities that define the recent ruling issued by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

“For the avoidance of doubt, no gun, no grenade, no GPMG, no explosive, and no attack plan was ever found on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“No witness, civilian or military, ever testified before any court—at any stage—that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu committed any offence known to Nigerian or international law. This is an undeniable fact.

The group insisted that the insecurity in the South East was politically motivated, noting that it “escalated while Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was in solitary confinement at the DSS facility, cut off from the outside world.”

“No honest observer can attribute to him acts that occurred while he was physically incapable of involvement.

“It was Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who was attacked by the Nigerian military during Operation Python Dance.

“It was IPOB family members who were massacred at Nkpor, Aba, Onitsha, Emene, and other locations.

“Not one government officer or soldier has been held accountable for these atrocities.

“Yet the same system now seeks to convict the victim”, IPOB lamented.

Citing section 36 (12) of the 1999 Constitution, the group declared Justice Omotosho’s ruling as “a legal impossibility.” Justice Omotosho has demonstrated, sadly, that he either cannot interpret or refuses to interpret simple English contained in Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution, which states clearly:

“A person shall not be convicted of a criminal offence unless that offence is defined and the penalty therefore is prescribed in a written law.”

“This constitutional provision is short, simple, and unambiguous. Our questions to Justice Omotosho—questions the entire world deserves answers to—are as follows: What written law did you rely on to purport to convict Mazi Nnamdi Kanu? Is that law extant, or has it been repealed? If the law has been repealed, can a repealed law ever qualify as a written law under Section 36(12)? Why did you ignore binding Court of Appeal and Supreme Court authorities stating that no Nigerian can be tried or convicted under a non-existent or repealed statute? A judge cannot manufacture an offence from thin air. A court cannot resurrect a dead law. A repealed legislation cannot convict a living person,” the statement concluded.

Nevertheless, the group restated its commitment to peaceful advocacy, international law, and the pursuit of a United Nations–supervised referendum.

Ohanaeze disappointed at ruling, seeks political solution

Despite the ruling of the Federal High Court which sentenced the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo has insisted that he be released through a political negotiation.

Spokesperson of Ohanaeze, Ezechi Chukwu who revealed the position of the Igbo body also expressed disappointment over the jail sentence on Kanu. However, President-General of the organisation, Azuta Mbata has called for calm and called on Nigerians to join in the appeal to President Bola Tinubu to release Kanu via a political solution.

His statement reads in part “Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide expresses deep disappointment over the life imprisonment issued yesterday by Justice James Omotosho against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, calls for calm and for all well-meaning Nigerians to join in the effort to appeal to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for a political solution and national reconciliation.

“Beyond the legal questions, the Igbo nation is deeply troubled by the pattern of harsh treatment meted out in this case, which many perceive as reflective of ethnic bias. This perception erodes trust in national institutions and touches directly on the dignity and integrity of the Igbo people.”

Ohanaeze also expressed fears over what it described as the “worsening insecurity in the South East,” which Mbata noted is caused by the prolonged detention of Kanu.

“Ohanaeze is equally alarmed by the worsening insecurity in the Southeast, much of which is tied to the prolonged detention of Kanu. His incarceration has become a flashpoint for unrest, frustration and youth radicalisation. Continued hard-line responses will only deepen instability.

“In the interest of national unity, peace and equity, we urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to adopt a political solution. Dialogue, not maximal punishment which offers the best path toward healing long standing grievances, restoring calm in the Southeast and advancing true national reconciliation.

“Nigeria stands at a crossroads. Only justice anchored on fairness, sensitivity and inclusiveness can preserve the unity we all desire,” he pleaded.

Similarly, former Youth President of Ohanaeze, Chief Osmond Nkeoma has frowned at the jail sentence on Kanu, saying it may result in civil disobedience in the South East.

Nkeoma questioned the trial process, citing concerns over Kanu’s rendition from Kenya and the validity of the law used to prosecute him. He warned that ignoring these procedural irregularities could set a dangerous precedence in the country’s justice system.

He emphasised that the verdict risks further alienating the South East region and could lead to ethnic and political tensions. He called for a political solution, urging the government to engage Igbo leadership, civil society, and youth in a broader dialogue on Igbo marginalisation and national reconciliation.

Nkeoma also appealed to the international community to monitor the situation, warning that Nigeria’s reputation on human rights and the rule of law is at risk. He called on Igbo youths to remain vigilant, favour peaceful activism, and push for an appeal and transparency.

Chief Celestine Okoye, a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police has decries possible escalation of insecurity and crisis in the South East region as a result of the sentencing of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment by Justice James Omotosho of Abuja Federal High Court.

Okoye while reacting to the court sentence of the IPOB leader expressed shock over what he described as miscarriage of justice and deliberate attempt to continue to suppress the Igbo in Nigeria.

“There’s nothing like putting an end to insecurity in the South East. The Igbos in general are in trouble. This has shown that we are not needed in this country and they have shown the level of hatred they have for us. There is nowhere any Igbo man is safe in this country. So, the agenda of clearing the Igbo race is already on as far as we are concerned.

“I don’t know the law they based this judgement on but as far as I’m concerned, we are in trouble. So, if you are talking about ending insecurity, it is not going to end insecurity, we are in trouble, we are no longer safe. The Igbo man has no say, the battle the young man went through, they should have told us the enabling law that made them to give this judgement. It’s a miscarriage of justice.

Tiv group condemns ‘harsh judgment’

The President General of Mzough U Tiv (MUT), Worldwide, Chief Iorbee Ihagh has expressed sadness over the life sentence passed on Nnamdi Kanu by the court.

Ihagh who spoke in Makurdi on Friday said he was not happy because the young man has not done anything wrong to warrant such harsh judgement.

He said “I’m not happy about it. I condemn the sentence passed on him, life imprisonment. This is because I’ve not known what he has done that warrants them to sentence him to life imprisonment.

“But I know there is appeal, so definitely he will appeal and I’m sure the international communities will say something about it, including the U.S.

“I spoke recently and said, I don’t know why they are not trying him because it’s taking too long. It was a straightforward case. I don’t know why it took them so long. Instead of them releasing him, they have now sentenced him. I’m not happy. I condemn that.

“Honestly, America will take it up with the federal government. They will, because they’ve always been talking about Kanu.

“So as the head of the social cultural groups in Benue, I condemn the life sentence totally.”

Political solution only way out – MBF, Igbo groups

Following the life sentenced passed on the leader of the of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) and the Indigenous Igbo Youth Congress (IIYC), have called for a political solution to the matter rather than judicial pronouncement.

The President of MBF, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, said that Nnamdi Kanu’s case ab initio should have been and would eventually be settled politically, and not judicially.

According to him, Kanu was heading an organisation that was seeking for the liberation of his people, noting that: “We have seen how Nelson Mandela and others have struggled against apartheid. Nnamdi Kanu became a father-figure or a point man to people who feel they are a marginalised.

“I believe that his lawyers are going to appeal whatever sentence the court has slammed on him, and in the long run, it’s going to be settled politically, just like all others who fought for liberation in the past.

“All liberation struggles in the past were eventually settled politically, and I believe this will go that way. I know his lawyers will appeal, and it will continue, but the end is a political settlement rather than a judicial process.”

In the same vein, the coalition of youth groups in the South East geopolitical zone, said that the court verdict on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has created ripples of anxiety and discontent among citizens, particularly the people of the South East region.

The group, in a statement by its President-General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to invoke his constitutional powers and adopt a political solution to the case.

“Nnamdi Kanu’s case has transcended legal implications; it has garnered widespread attention and brought to the forefront underlying issues surrounding national unity, regional representation, and the quest for a more equitable Nigeria.

“As a leader, who understands the nuances of governance and the importance of national cohesion, we urge President Tinubu to temper justice with mercy and consider a dialogue that could lead to Nnamdi Kanu’s release.

“We are aware of the delicate balance between justice and peace. However, we believe that a political solution to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case will pave the way for healing and unity in our nation. It would demonstrate a commitment to inclusive governance and a willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders, fostering an atmosphere of trust and understanding.

“Mr. President, your leadership is crucial in steering Nigeria towards a more united and prosperous future. We implore you to take this opportunity to showcase your commitment to national reconciliation by addressing the concerns of the South East and releasing Nnamdi Kanu.

“We call upon all relevant parties to come together in a spirit of collaboration and understanding to seek a political resolution to this matter. The future of our great nation depends on the actions we take today,” the statement emphasised.

Also, the IIYC President, Chief Mayor Echefu, said the sentence, which he said, was predetermined, would not hold.

According to him, it is an attempt to silence the Igbo nation. The northern oligarchy has used President Bola Tinubu to execute its plot.

Nnamdi Kanu, he said is a freedom fighter, who has not committed any offence against anybody, and urged President Tinubu to invoke his constitutional power to release him.

“The Federal Government is giving terrorists pats on their backs; the same government is slamming a life sentence on somebody who is fighting for the liberation of his oppressed people.

“The other day, one of the leaders of Boko Haram terrorist group, Hussaini Isma’il, who had killed people in their hundreds was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment, but someone who was going about with his message of liberation without an arm is sentenced for life.

“It is high time genuine Igbo leaders unite and take this matter beyond the shores of Nigeria. We will not take it. It is a predetermined judgment.”

Igbo groups based in the United States of America (USA), American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), and Ambassadors for Self Determination & Rising Sun Foundation (ASD&RSF) have slammed Justice James Omotosho over his conviction of Nnamdi Kanu, saying the judgment was based on fabrication, not facts.

The groups said the claim that Nnamdi Kanu planned to bomb the British and United States missions in Nigeria, was not just a tale by moonlight, but a fallacy of the century.

“This allegation was never charged, never testified to, never tendered in evidence, and never mentioned by any witness in the entire trial.

“It is a pure invention of the judge, inserted into the judgment to demonise Mazi Nnamdi Kanu before the world and to drive a wedge between him and the governments of the United States and the United Kingdom.”

Wondering how Justice Omotosho arrived at the bomb plot conclusion, the groups said, “Throughout the proceedings before Justice Omotosho, no charge alleged any plan to bomb US or UK embassies.

No prosecution witness testified about any such plot. No document, exhibit, audio, video, or intelligence report was tendered to support such a claim.

“The defence had no opportunity to cross-examine any witness on this issue, because it never arose in court.

“Yet, in his judgment, Justice Omotosho casually wrote in this wild story of a supposed plan to bomb the British and American missions. This is not a mistake, it is a fabrication.

“In any criminal justice system worthy of the name, a judge cannot convict an accused person on the basis of stories invented in chambers and not proven in court,” the groups asserted.

AVID and ASD&RSF vowed to release to the world the full certified transcripts of everything that transpired in Justice Omotosho’s court to remove any doubt of what they were saying.

“Those transcripts will show clearly that no prosecutor, no witness, and no document ever mentioned any threat to US or UK missions. The only people who testified against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu were hired storytellers, and even they did not tell this particular story. The so-called ‘bomb plot’ exists only in the judgment, not in the evidence.”

The Igbo diaspora groups said Kanu’s pro-US and UK posture over the years made the story told in Omotosho’s court of bomb plot by Kanu of the two nation’s embassies to make no sense.

“His invented ‘bomb plot’ is not only unsupported, it is absurd on its face.

“In 2017, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu organised the first and only Trump Solidarity Rally in Igweocha (Port Harcourt), where thousands peacefully marched in open support of the then-US President.

“In 2020, he personally attended a Trump campaign rally in Des Moines, Iowa, openly identifying with the American democratic process.

“These are not the actions of a man plotting to bomb US or UK missions.

They are the actions of a man who, rightly or wrongly, sees the United States and the West as allies in the struggle for justice and self-determination.

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“For a Nigerian judge to twist this history into a phantom “terror plot” is not only dishonest; it is dangerous. It sends a message to the world that Nigerian courts are willing to weaponise lies against political defendants.”

The groups said they have no doubt that, “that single fabrication has destroyed the entire judgment, adding that under the Nigerian Constitution and basic common sense, a person can only be convicted on the basis of evidence given in court.”

The statement added that the offence must be clearly written in a valid law, and the accused must have a fair chance to challenge any allegation.

It went further to say that by importing a serious accusation that was never charged, never proved, and never put to the accused person, Justice Omotosho violated Kanu’s right to fair hearing.

“By doing so Omotosho turned himself from an impartial judge into a prosecution witness and propagandist; built his judgment on facts that do not exist in the record.”

They equally stated that, “Once a judge bases a criminal conviction on fabricated, extraneous material, the entire judgment is poisoned. It is legally unsafe, morally bankrupt, and constitutionally void.

“When a judge in a criminal trial descends into the arena of fabrication and lies, the judiciary itself is in trouble.

“This is no longer about one man, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. It is about whether any Nigerian can trust that our courts will decide cases on evidence, not on scripts; Judges will respect the record, not rewrite it; the bench will not be used as a tool to destroy political opponents.

“Justice Omotosho’s conduct sends the worst possible signal, both domestically and internationally. It tells the world that Nigeria’s courts can be used to manufacture ‘terrorists’ on paper while ignoring the actual evidence.”

The statement made it clear that any attempt to paint Kanu as a man who planned to bomb US and UK missions “is a fallacy from the pit of propaganda, not from a court of law,” which must not be allowed to stand.

Mascot Uzor-Kalu appeals to Tinubu for fair resolution, expresses hope for executive intervention

Abia State 2027 governorship aspirant, Chief Mascot Uzor-Kalu, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to consider a fair and just resolution regarding the recent conviction of Nnamdi Kalu.

Uzor-Kalu emphasised the importance of executive intervention in preserving national unity and ensuring that justice is tempered with fairness.

In a statement in Umuahia on Friday, Uzor-Kalu expressed confidence that the President can deliver a peaceful and equitable outcome.

“The nation is watching, and history will remember how leadership responds in times like these. I firmly believe there is still room for a measured executive action that could restore hope and calm tensions across the region,” he stated.

Mascot Uzor-Kalu described President Tinubu as a man with a listening ear, capable of considering appeals that promote peace and national unity.

“I know the President as a man who listens and takes into account the welfare of the nation. I believe he can exercise the wisdom and discretion necessary to address sensitive matters constructively,” he said.

He further highlighted the need for dialogue and reconciliation in handling high-profile cases, stressing that the judicial outcome, while binding, should not preclude the exercise of executive discretion in the interest of national harmony.

“Our democracy is strongest when our leaders act with wisdom and compassion. It is not about undermining the judiciary; it is about ensuring that equity also reflects the broader values of peace and unity,” he added.

Uzor-Kalu also called on stakeholders across the South East and the nation at large to remain calm and patient as discussions progress.

“There is still hope. Hope that leadership at the highest level can intervene constructively to prevent further polarisation. Let us engage with reason, dialogue, and respect for the rule of law,” he affirmed.

“Now that the judicial process is concluded, let us pursue the political and diplomatic process to resolve and conclude this matter. All unnecessary utterances must stop; let’s focus on dialogue.”

Legal options for IPOB leader

Former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja branch, Dave Ajetomobi, has weighed in on the legal options available to convicted IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, stating that although he retains a constitutional right to appeal, his prospects for success are limited.

Ajetomobi noted that Kanu’s own conduct during trial may work against him.

According to him, Kanu “deliberately refused to enter his defence” and declined the services of his legal counsel.

He added that the defendant’s unruly behaviour during court sessions further complicated his case.

“The judge gave him enough latitude to reconsider his stance, but he insisted on doing things his own way,” Ajetomobi said, stressing that the consequences of those choices now affect the strength of any potential appeal.

Human rights activist and lawyer, Ige Asemudara, in his own reaction stated that the embattled separatist leader still has viable legal options despite not presenting a defence during his trial.

According to Asemudara, Kanu can challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal, but must do so within 90 days as required by law.

He emphasised that even though Kanu did not call any witnesses or enter a defence, the appeal court can still examine the evidence presented against him and review the trial court’s findings.

“The only option left for him is to appeal to the Court of Appeal and it has to be done within the next 90 days.

“Despite not entering any defence or calling any witness in his defence, he still has chances. It is a criminal case, not a civil one, so the appeal can still interrogate the evidence given against him and the findings of the Honourable Court,” he said.

Asemudara, however, voiced concern about Kanu’s wellbeing, noting that he appeared to be in poor health.

“I seriously think that the guy needs some medical attention. He seems not to be fine,” he added.

Lawyer and human rights activist Maduka Onwukeme also weighed in on the legal options available to the IPOB leader. He noted that although an appeal is still possible, Kanu has weakened his chances by failing to enter a defence during trial.

According to Onwukwe, Kanu’s decision not to defend himself in court has narrowed the grounds upon which an appeal can be built.

“He can still file an appeal, but he has limited his grounds for appeal by not entering his defence.

“Entering his defence, I believe, would have either knocked out the conviction on some counts or even provided more grounds for appealing the decision of the court,” he said.

Despite this setback, Onwukwe said the IPOB leader retains the option of challenging the judgment on technical and procedural grounds.

He cited issues such as the court’s alleged reliance on hearsay evidence to support the prosecution’s claims that Kanu’s broadcasts triggered violence among his supporters.

“There are other technical and procedural issues that arise from the judgment too, especially in respect of evidence led and admitted by the court,” he added.

Onwukwe expressed hope that Kanu would secure competent legal representation for the appeal.

“I only hope Nnamdi Kanu retains the services of a good lawyer or team of lawyers, and does not make the mistake of filing and arguing the appeal by himself,” he said.

Legal practitioner, Abdulah Wahab Olawale stated that Nnamdi Kanu retains a constitutionally protected right to appeal his conviction, emphasising that the judgment does not mark the end of legal remedies available to the IPOB leader.

According to Abdullahi, Sections 241, 242, and 243 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) expressly guarantee the right of appeal. He noted that Section 241(1) clearly provides that “an appeal shall lie from decisions of the Federal High Court or a High Court to the Court of Appeal,” describing this right as automatic under Nigerian law.

He explained that Kanu’s legal team can challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal and, if necessary, escalate the matter to the Supreme Court.

Abdullahi added that several legal issues could be raised in the appeal, including claims that Kanu was not afforded sufficient opportunity to defend himself or that the court foreclosed certain rights during the trial.

The lawyer expressed optimism that the appellate courts could be persuaded on various legal grounds and noted that a political resolution might eventually play a role in Kanu’s path to freedom.

“Hope is not lost or foreclosed,” he said, adding that it is now the responsibility of Kanu’s legal team to navigate the available legal and procedural options.

The Imo State Attorney General Emeritus and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume SAN has described the prosecution and judgment of the Federal High Court that slammed a life imprisonment on Nnamdi Kanu on alleged acts of terrorism as a combination of disservice to the Nigerian state and its people.

Taking a deep look into the whole episode, the senior lawyer noted as follows: Certainly the prosecution and the conviction is about terrorism, otherwise how come that in January 2018, the former governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom conducted a mass burial for 73 indigenes who were brutally killed by Fulani herdsmen, then in March of the same year, the governor subsequently brought out 100 coffins of same people brutally killed in another aggression by herdsmen and in June 2025, 200 people where brutally killed in Yelwata community in June State by same Fulani herdsmen, yet how many has been prosecuted and sentenced for those heinous crimes or charged of terrorism?

Ume further stated that for years, the people of Plateau State are being brutally massacred by the Fulani herdsmen and no one is being charged, then charging and sentencing Nnamdi Kanu on terrorism is lip service. It’s very unfortunate that all that the state has done is deploy state organs to perpetuate discrimination and hegemony.

At the end of the day, it’s not about Nnamdi Kanu but the fate of our children.

The curious irony is that while the Federal High Court sentenced a Boko Haram Leader to 20 years, Nnamdi Kanu is sentenced to life imprisonment. A good tale of hegemonic script. (The Sun)