Why I did not sentence you to death – Judge explains to Kanu

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has explained why he declined to impose the death penalty on Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), despite finding him guilty of terrorism charges.

Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice Omotosho said he would have opted for capital punishment but noted that the death penalty is increasingly being abandoned globally. He added that religious teachings also emphasise mercy—another factor that influenced his decision to impose life imprisonment instead.

The judge, who had earlier ordered Kanu out of the courtroom over persistent disruptions, directed that he be held in a facility capable of managing his conduct, stressing that the Kuje Correctional Centre was no longer suitable.

Justice Omotosho further ordered that Kanu must not have access to electronic devices unless strictly supervised by the Office of the National Security Adviser. He also directed that the convict be placed in protective custody at any secure location within the country.

Additionally, the court ruled that the transmitter used for Kanu’s broadcasts be forfeited to the Federal Government. If no appeal is filed, all other seized equipment linked to the offences would also be permanently forfeited.