Self-determination Not a Crime, Agitation Not Terrorism – IPOB Rejects Life Sentence for Nnamdi Kanu

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has rejected Thursday’s Federal High Court ruling in Abuja that sentenced its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment on seven terrorism-related charges.

In a statement on Friday, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful said Kanu “committed no offence known to Nigerian law” and insisted that his agitation for self-determination is a protected right under international law. The group argued that advocacy for self-determination cannot be classified as terrorism.

Powerful criticised the judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho, accusing the court of ignoring Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution, which stipulates that no person can be convicted of an offence unless it is clearly defined in a written law.

“The IPOB wishes to inform the global community, diplomatic missions, international media, and lovers of freedom that we shall, in the coming days, expose the contradictions, defects, and illegalities underlying this ruling,” the statement read.

The group maintained that no weapons, explosives, or attack plans were ever linked to Kanu, and no witness testified that he committed any offence under Nigerian or international law. IPOB stressed that the Federal Government continues to criminalise self-determination, which is protected under Article 20 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and relevant international covenants.

“Self-determination is a protected right, not a crime. Agitation is not terrorism, and requesting a referendum is not a weapon,” the statement added.

IPOB also highlighted that insecurity in the South-East worsened while Kanu was in the custody of the Department of State Services, arguing that such incidents cannot be attributed to him. The group further claimed that Kanu and IPOB members were targeted during military operations, including ‘Operation Python Dance,’ with no accountability for casualties inflicted on civilians.

The group questioned the legal basis of the conviction, describing it as “unconstitutional” and alleging that the judge relied on repealed or non-existent provisions of law. IPOB said it intends to release a detailed response in the coming days and will continue engaging international bodies on judicial and human-rights concerns. The group reiterated its demand for a United Nations–supervised referendum.

The court ruling, delivered in Kanu’s absence, held that his broadcasts on Radio Biafra and enforcement of sit-at-home orders constituted terrorism, and that his alleged involvement in attacks by the Eastern Security Network formed part of the prosecution’s evidence.