A clear indication has emerged that the convicted leader of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) will be heading to the Court of Appeal to seek to upturn the life sentence imposed on him today by a Federal High Court presided over by Justice James Omotosho.
The indication was given shortly after the sentencing of Kanu by one of his long-time counsel Aloy Ejimakor who expressed his disagreement with the life jail imposed on Kanu.
Ejimakor, who today merely acted as a consultant to Kanu,who had earlier dispensed with his legal team,opting instead to defend himself, declared the judgement against Kanu as a travesty of justice. He emphasised that no stone would be left unturned in their pursuit of justice for Kanu whom he believed is a freedom fighter and not an international terrorist as the court described him.
Justice Omotosho had convicted Kanu, on a seven-count charge of terrorism brought against him by the Federal Government.
Delivering judgment on the protracted case that had attracted global attention, Justice Omotosho held that the prosecution had successfully established its case, finding Kanu guilty on all counts. The charges include engaging in acts of terrorism, belonging to and leading a proscribed organisation, threatening and killing security operatives, destruction and burning of properties, concealment, and the unlawful importation of an unregistered radio transmitter.
Justice Omotosho, in his ruling, stated that the evidence tendered before the court showed a consistent link between Kanu’s activities and the violent operations carried out under the banner of the proscribed group.
Following the conviction, the Federal Government’s lead counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, urged the court to impose the maximum sentence permitted under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013. He argued that the severity of the offences and their implications for national security justified the harshest punishment available under the law.
Kanu, who has been in detention amid prolonged legal battles and heightened political tension surrounding his case, is expected to return to court for sentencing. His legal team is also anticipated to respond formally, with a possible appeal on the horizon.
The conviction marks a significant development in one of the country’s most closely watched trials, drawing reactions from supporters, critics, and observers across the nation and beyond its shores .
