Traditional rulers in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State have absolved the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, of being a terrorist, as the Federal Government has labelled him.

The traditional rulers were reacting to the judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment.

The judge held that the IPOB leader, based on evidence presented before the court by the prosecution, was a terrorist.

But the traditional rulers told reporters in Umuahia, the state capital, that Kanu is their illustrious son and Crown Prince of Isiama Afaraukwu-Ibeku Community.

They insisted that contrary to the court’s pronouncement, the IPOB leader is not a terrorist but a freedom fighter who consistently spoke against alleged injustices and marginalization of his people in the Southeast and other parts of Nigeria.

In a statement by its Chairman, Eze Innocent Adiele Nwaigwe; the Secretary, Eze Chiabuotu Emelike, as well as Eze Nzenwata Mbakwe and Eze Eddy Ibeabuchi, the monarchs said: “For over a decade, our son has stood before the courts of this nation, enduring trials, detentions, and unimaginable hardships. (The Nation)