The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, November 20, 2025, has found Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, guilty on terrorism-related charges,
Kanu was also handed a conviction of life imprisonment.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment after dismissing preliminary objections from the defence and proceeding to consider the merits of a seven-count amended charge that accuses Kanu of inciting violence against security forces and civilians and belonging to a proscribed organisation. Court reports said Kanu represented himself in parts of the hearing and was ejected from court at times for unruly conduct.
Prosecutors told the court they were seeking the severest penalties available under Nigerian law.
Kanu, a British citizen who founded Radio Biafra and leads a movement that seeks the secession of Nigeria’s predominantly Igbo southeast, has long been a polarising figure. The Nigerian government proscribed IPOB in 2017; prosecutors say Kanu’s broadcasts and directives helped fuel violent incidents that have accompanied the separatist campaign. His supporters and several international rights bodies have repeatedly criticised his detention conditions and called for his release.
IPOB has issued urgent appeals to foreign missions and the United Nations, alleging Kanu’s health is deteriorating in custody and urging international intervention. Legal teams are expected to pursue appeals in higher courts; observers say the case is likely to trigger further legal challenges and diplomatic pressure given Kanu’s dual nationality and the international attention the trial has drawn.
Kanu’s lawyers can appeal the conviction to the Court of Appeal and ultimately the Supreme Court.
