Live Updates: Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer Denounces Life Sentence As Justice Omotosho Gives Judgment
Nnamdi Kanu sentenced to life for terrorism
The federal high court has found separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu guilty of terrorism and other charges following a years-long legal case full of drama.
He has been given four life sentences, along with other terms, to be served concurrently. The prosecution had called for the death penalty; however, Judge James Omotosho said that executions were now "frowned upon".
Nnamdi Kanu: More legal fireworks expected
Kanu's legal team has declared that the verdict and sentence on Thursday, November 20, 2025, will not stand.
Lawyer Ejimakor fumed, stating that the IPOB leader is not a terrorist.
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Nnamdi Kanu: Lawyer slams Omotosho's judgment
Abuja-based lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, has described the conviction of Kanu as shameful.
Ejimakor wrote on his X account, with an accompanying picture showing him and his client, Kanu.
"Today will forever live in infamy."
Nnamdi Kanu sentenced to life for terrorism
The federal high court has found separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu guilty of terrorism and other charges following a years-long legal case full of drama.
He has been given four life sentences, along with other terms, to be served concurrently. The prosecution had called for the death penalty; however, Judge James Omotosho said that executions were now "frowned upon".
Nnamdi Kanu judgment today: Court goes on break
The federal high court in Abuja has gone on a short break amid Kanu's trial.
According to Channels TV, the court will deliver its sentence on the IPOB leader by 4 pm, today, Thursday, November 20.
Nnamdi Kanu: Abia rep makes emotional plea
Obi Aguocha, a member of the house of representatives, has pleaded with Justice Omotosho for clemency and mercy for Kanu.
Aguocha, who represents Ikwuano/Umuahia north/Umuahia South federal constituency of Abia state, spoke in court on Thursday afternoon, November 20.
Court convicts IPOB leader on all 7 charges
A final judgment would soon be given in Nnamdi Kanu’s case.
The court has convicted the IPOB leader on all seven-count charges, according to Channels Television.
Omotosho convicts Kanu of count 6
The trial continues as the judge convicts Nnamdi Kanu of Count 6.
Justice Omotosho is now on Count 7, the last count, pertaining to the importation of a radio transmitter.
Court convicts Nnamdi Kanu on 5 charges
Justice Omotosho has convicted IPOB's Kanu on counts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
The Biafra separatist leader was found guilty on count 1 of the terrorism charge that the federal government preferred against him.
The judge is now analysing Count 6.
Court urged to reject Kanu’s application
The federal government has urged the court to dismiss Kanu’s application for lack of merit.
Nnamdi Kanu denies jumping bail
Defending himself, Kanu stressed that he did not jump bail following his first arrest during the administration of former Nigerian leader, the late Muhammadu Buhari.
As the director of a United Kingdom-registered radio station named Radio Biafra, Kanu propagated Biafran separatism. He was arrested on treason charges in Lagos on October 14, 2015, and was detained for more than a year, despite various court orders that ruled for his release.
After men of the Nigerian Army stormed his Abia home in 2017, he fled Nigeria.
In court on Thursday, November 20, 2025, the detained IPOB leader contended that he should not be held under "non-existent law".
Court rules on Kanu’s alleged illegal rendition
On Kanu's alleged illegal rendition back to Nigeria from Kenya, the court said extradition works among countries which are parties to treaties and multilateral agreements.
Also, per the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the defendant (Kanu) failed to lead evidence to prove his allegation.
"Kanu declined opportunities to defend himself" - Omotosho
Justice James Kolawole Omotosho has claimed that the court gave Kanu every opportunity to defend himself, but he reportedly declined.
Omotosho is expected to deliver a verdict in Kanu's absence.
Court affirms authority to hear Kanu's case
Justice Omotosho ruled that the court has the authority to preside over Kanu's case.
Omotosho stated that the Supreme Court has settled the matter of extradition, ruling against Kanu in this regard.
Nnamdi Kanu’s wife slams Justice Omotosho
Uchechi Okwu-Kanu, wife of Nnamdi Kanu, has alleged "injustice" in her husband's trial.
Uchechi wrote on her verified X handle:
"Injustice Omotosho is on a mission. Whatever happens today, is a determinant of subsequent activities. Mazi #NnamdiKanu was discharged and acquitted but the Nigerian government kept him still and went to the Supreme Court because they want a crooked outcome. We want justice too."
Court rejects claims of unfair trial for Kanu
The issue of fairness in the hearing for Kanu has been ruled against him.
Justice Omotosho stated that the court ensured he received a fair hearing.
Nnamdi Kanu: Security tightened in Abia
The Abia police command, in collaboration with other sister security agencies, is out on a joint security operational patrol to ensure safety, law and order.
Abia is Kanu's home state and one of Nigeria's formerly restive areas.
Ahmad lauds live broadcast of Kanu’s trial
Former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, has hailed the live transmission of Nnamdi Kanu's case.
In a post on X on Thursday, November 20, Ahmad wrote:
"I like how the judgment in the trial of the terrorist Nnamdi Kanu is being transmitted live for all Nigerians to follow. So important for us, the citizens, to hear, in real time, the extent of the atrocities committed against the Nigerian state and to understand the gravity of the actions that have brought us to this point."
Justice Omotosho continues with Kanu's trial
Justice James Omotosho of the federal high court, Abuja, is currently treating Nnamdi Kanu's terrorism case in his absence following his earlier outburst.
Members of the judiciary, the press, Kanu's relatives, among others, are in court.
Nnamdi Kanu accused of "misconduct"
Following Kanu’s outburst during the IPOB leader's trial, he was subsequently accused of "misconduct".
Nnamdi Kanu's trial: Security on high alert in Abuja
Despite the deployment of joint security operatives, there are no reports of protests or supporters outside the court premises.
According to Channels TV, normalcy prevailed in the surrounding areas.
Judge orders security remove Nnamdi Kanu
Trial justice, James Omotosho of the federal high court, Abuja, has ordered security agents to take Kanu out of the courtroom.
As reported by Vanguard newspaper, Kanu insisted that judgment would not be delivered in the terrorism charge the federal government of Nigeria entered against him.
Videos showing the heated moment can be seen below:
Nnamdi Kanu challenges court
In court, Kanu, a Nigerian-British citizen, asserted that the federal high court, Abuja, "lacks jurisdiction to try me."
In his motion to the judge, Kanu stated that there is no judgment. He argued that he had allegedly filed his processes in the court of appeal.
Nigeria vs Nnamdi Kanu convenes
The matter of federal republic of Nigeria versus Nnamdi Kanu has been convened.
The Judge said that before he delivers the ‘judgment’, he would allow Kanu to move the several motions he had filed since the last hearing date.
Kanu is moving the motions right now.
The video can be viewed below.
Nnamdi Kanu arrives court
The man at the centre of attention, Nnamdi Kanu, has arrived in court.
Kanu's brother, Kanunta, shared a video to confirm the IPOB leader's appearance in court.
The clip can be viewed below:
Kanu's supporter, Sowore sighted in court's premises
Presidential hopeful, Omoyele Sowore, is in court.
Sowore had expressed solidarity with Kanu several times.
Nnamdi Kanu: Security heightened in south-east
Security has been heightened across the south-east as the federal high court in Abuja is set to deliver judgment in the alleged terrorism trial of Kanu.
As the nation awaits today’s ruling, tension and anticipation remain high over a trial widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most politically sensitive cases in recent years.
Nnamdi Kanu's lawyer hopeful of favourable judgment
Aloy Ejimakor, one of the lawyers engaged by Kanu, committed the decisive trial to God.
He wrote on his known X (formerly Twitter) page:
Live: Nnamdi Kanu's verdict today
The federal high court in Abuja will, on Thursday, November 20, deliver the judgment in the alleged terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu on live broadcast.
The court registrar confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday morning, November 20.
Cameramen of different television stations, including NTA, Channels TV, AIT, and TVC, were among the workers of broadcast stations in the courtroom with their gadgets for the live transmission.
