Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has explained his decision to hand Nnamdi Kanu a life sentence rather than the death penalty after convicting the IPOB leader on terrorism charges.
The judge noted that although the law prescribes capital punishment for the offences, he chose leniency based on moral and religious considerations. He said many countries were moving away from the death penalty and cited teachings in the Book of Matthew, stressing that Jesus Christ encouraged mercy.
Justice Omotosho also ruled that Kanu must be held in a secure facility suitable for his status, insisting that the Kuje Correctional Centre would not fulfil the objectives of the sentence. He ordered that the IPOB leader be kept in protective custody at any secure location approved by the authorities.
The court further barred Kanu from accessing electronic devices except under strict supervision by the Office of the National Security Adviser. It also ordered the forfeiture of the transmitter used for his broadcasts to the Federal Government, adding that any other related equipment would be seized if no appeal is filed.
