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The head of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, plans to contest the life sentence imposed on him by the Federal High Court in Abuja, according to his former lawyer and advisor, Aloy Ejimakor.

Speaking with reporters just after the ruling on Thursday, Ejimakor revealed that the legal team would promptly go to the Court of Appeal to request a reversal of the decision made by Justice James Omotosho.

“From this point, we are traveling to the Court of Appeal. It is the sole court in the nation that operates with a jury, and we plan to meet the judges there to examine the events that took place in court today,” he stated.

Calling the verdict a “disgraceful injustice,” Ejimakor stated belief that the appeals court would reverse the conviction.

“If the Court of Appeal disagrees with us, we will move to the Supreme Court. But by God Almighty, Nnamdi Kanu is not going to be found guilty. He is going to have his conviction reversed,” he emphasized.

LEADERSHIP previously stated that Justice Omotosho found Kanu guilty of seven charges related to terrorism and imposed a life sentence on counts one, two, four, five, and six.

The court additionally imposed a 20-year sentence for charge three and a five-year term for charge seven, with no possibility of a fine.

In his comments, Justice Omotosho stated that the choice to impose a life sentence instead of the death penalty, which is mandated for certain offenses, was influenced by changing international norms and the importance of balancing justice with compassion, citing biblical teachings from Matthew 23, verse 23 about mercy.

Our Lord is compassionate, regardless of our actions, as He is a merciful God. It is with this in mind that the court will adhere to the above warning from Jesus Christ in the passage and extend mercy to the convicted individuals.

The death penalty is becoming less accepted among global nations. Therefore, and for the sake of justice, I hereby impose a life sentence on the prisoner, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, for charges 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 rather than the death penalty.

Regarding charge 3, he is sentenced to 20 years in prison without the possibility of a fine, and for charge 7, he receives a five-year sentence with no option of a fine. To show compassion, I decree that the sentences will be served at the same time,” the judge stated.

“I am certain that the inclination towards violence has not disappeared from the convict. Therefore, he needs to be housed in a facility that is appropriate for his management, as sending him to Kuje Correctional Centre might not be suitable,” he added.

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