Breaking: Judge Omotosho Speaks Out on Why Nnamdi Kanu Wasn’t Sentenced to Death
- Justice James Omotosho sentenced Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment instead of the death penalty, citing mercy and religious teachings
- Kanu was ordered to be placed in protective custody at a secure location and barred from using electronic devices unsupervised
- On November 20, 2025, the court also directed that the Federal Government seize the separatist group's broadcasting equipment
FCT, Abuja - Justice James Omotosho has explained why he gave Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a life sentence instead of the death penalty following his conviction on terrorism charges on Thursday, November 20.
Recall that the prosecution in the case involving Kanu, led by Adegboyega Awomolo, had urged the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, to sentence the leader of the banned IPOB separatist group to death.
Source: Twitter
Awomolo argued that, given Nnamdi Kanu was found guilty of counts 1 to 6, he should be handed capital punishment.
According to the senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), that is 'the only sentence that the lordship will enforce.'
The judge noted that while the law allowed for the death penalty, he opted for mercy, citing teachings from the Holy Book, according to The Nation.
"Jesus Christ taught His followers to show mercy. The death penalty is gradually being abolished in many countries, and religious doctrines advocate compassion," Justice Omotosho said, quoting the book of Matthew.
Nnamdi Kanu: Protective custody and security measures
Justice Omotosho added that Kanu’s detention must reflect the seriousness of the sentence while ensuring his protection.
He ruled that he should not be kept at Kuje Correctional Centre, stating that the facility would not achieve the intended purpose of the sentence.
“He is to be placed in protective custody at a secure location approved by the authorities,” the judge said.
Source: Twitter
Restricted access to electronic devices for Kanu
The court also ordered that Kanu must not access any electronic devices unless under strict supervision by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Justice Omotosho also directed the forfeiture of the transmitter used for the IPOB leader's broadcasts to the federal government.
He added that other equipment linked to the case would be confiscated if no appeal is filed, reinforcing the legal consequences of his actions, according to The Cable.
A public analyst, Ahmed Abubakar, while speaking with Legit.ng on Saturday, November 22, said:
"If Tinubu makes a move to pardon Nnamdi Kanu, it will be a terrible mistake. It will inflame the rest of the country and the security agencies, especially the military. I don’t believe it is even worth it politically speaking.
"Every single of the last three winners won the Presidency without getting alot of votes in the southeast. It’s not negligible, but there are many ways to win without it."
Nnamdi Kanu: Full breakdown of court’s judgement
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the full details of the judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, have now emerged.
Justice Omotosho handed down multiple sentences, including life imprisonment on counts 1, 4, 5 and 6, all tied to terrorism-related offences, and also imposed 20 years’ imprisonment on count 3 and 5 years’ imprisonment on count 7, without the option of a fine.
The judge further set unusually strict conditions for Kanu’s detention, citing what he described as the IPOB leader’s 'violent tendencies and associated atrocities', including access to any digital device only being allowed with the express approval of the NSA.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
