The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, will appeal the life imprisonment and other jail terms handed down by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
His former lawyer and consultant, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the move shortly after the judgment.
Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on counts one, two, four, five and six, twenty years on count three without an option of fine and five years on count seven also without an option of fine.
Speaking to reporters after the sentencing, Ejimakor said, “We are heading to appeal.”
Across the country, the judgment has triggered strong and opposing reactions.
Some Nigerians believe the ruling was harsh, while others welcomed it and argued that it was long overdue.
On X, @nkechi_firsr wrote, “Now that you have the sacrificial lamb Nnamdi Kanu sentenced to life imprisonment. I hope you all have found peace and the country will now experience everlasting peace and harmony.”
Another user, @iphy_chidozie, said, “I hate Nnamdi Kanu and everything he stands for but it’s so unfair he’s being treated this way while known terrorists from the North are treated like kings. What NK did is same thing that Sunday Igboho did. This is so unfair. Really unfair.”
@MP Muye commented, “Kanu got a light sentence to be honest compared to the atrocities he committed.”
For @Nedumcity, the judgment has already sparked celebration in some regions. He wrote, “There is widespread celebration across parts of Northern and Western Nigeria following the life imprisonment sentence handed to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”
Another user, @ummuh_zahra, added, “Nnamdi Kanu should enjoy his stay in the prison. I pray others learn from his mistakes.”
Justice Omotosho had fixed the judgment date after ruling that Kanu’s defence was foreclosed when he insisted he would not enter his defence under repealed laws.
The court held that he had exhausted the six days allocated to him to conduct his defence and had refused to use the opportunity.
