Nnamdi Kanu

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have commended the governors of Abia and Sokoto states, Dr Alex Otti and Ahmad Aliyu, for their recent visit to the group’s detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, describing the gesture as both “historic” and “surprising.”

In a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, IPOB said Kanu’s arrest, extraordinary rendition from Kenya, continued detention, trial, conviction, and life sentence, as well as his transfer to a correctional facility in Sokoto amid worsening insecurity, amounted to what it described as extreme provocation against the group and the Igbo people.

The group further alleged that the Federal Government deployed security agencies to carry out what it termed “false-flag operations” in the South-East to fabricate evidence of violence and terrorism against IPOB and its leader.

IPOB also claimed that Kanu was imprisoned through what it described as a biased legal process, maintaining that his only offence was advocating for the rights of his people and pursuing self-determination in a country it accused of marginalising them since independence.

According to the statement, IPOB insisted that the alleged injustice would not be ignored until a comprehensive and independent investigation is conducted.

Part of the statement read: “The global family and movement of IPOB express appreciation to the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, and the Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmad Aliyu, for their surprise visit to our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, at the Sokoto Correctional Centre.

“We also commend other concerned Igbos, including residents in Sokoto. The alleged kidnapping, extraordinary rendition, prolonged detention, unlawful trial, life imprisonment, and transfer to Sokoto prison will not stand.

“The alleged use of state security forces for false-flag operations in the South-East to manufacture evidence of violence and terrorism against IPOB and Kanu is an injustice that must not be overlooked without a thorough independent investigation.”

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment.

He was handed the life sentence on counts 1, 4, 5, and 6 of the charge, while it handed him 20-year jail term on count three and five years on count 7, without the option of fine.

Trial Justice James Omotosho said his decision not to pass death sentence on the defendant was owing to a Biblical injunction that demanded the show of mercy.

He ordered that Kanu should be kept in protective custody, even as a radio transmitter he illegally imported into the country was forfeited to the federal government.

The Federal Government has asked the court to impose the death penalty on the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, following his conviction on terrorism charges.

Counsel to the government, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), told the court that the provisions of the law under which Kanu was tried and found guilty prescribe a death sentence without the option of a lesser punishment.

Addressing the court after the conviction was pronounced, Awomolo argued that the judge had no discretion in the matter and must impose the maximum penalty as mandated by law.

He further submitted that Kanu showed no remorse throughout the trial for the offences committed against the Federal Republic of Nigeria, but instead maintained what he described as a militant, arrogant and unruly disposition.

The senior lawyer also urged the court to order the forfeiture of all properties seized from Kanu to the Federal Government.

Awomolo additionally prayed the court to commit Kanu to prison custody, where his safety would be guaranteed, pending the execution of the sentence.