By Ononye VC
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday sentenced Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment.
Reports say Justice Omotosho had earlier convicted Kanu on all seven counts of terrorism offences, ruling that the evidence of the prosecution was uncontroverted.
Omotosho sentenced the IPOB leader to life imprisonment for counts 1, 4, 5, 6; 20 years imprisonment without option of fine for count 3, and 5 years imprisonment without option of fine for count 7.
“The court is minded to sentence the convict to death due to the atrocities he committed. The convict has not shown any remorse whatsoever for his actions. He remained arrogant, cocky and full of himself without realising the magnitude of his crime, and the effect of what he has done against his people in the South East,” he said.
Omotosho added: “I have listened to the allocutors made by the member of the House of Representatives, representing the constituency of the convict. Although, I am not really persuaded. But. I must temper justice with mercy.
“It is on that note that the court will follow the admonition of Jesus Christ and show mercy to the convict. In addition, the death penalty globally is now being frowned upon by the international community.
“Consequently and in the interest of justice, I hereby sentence the convict to life imprisonment for the said count 1, 4, 5 and 6, instead of death sentence. Life is sacred to God.
“With respect to count 3, he is hereby sentenced to 20 years imprisonment without option of fine. For count 7, he is sentenced to 5 years imprisonment without option of fine. To extend the mercy, I hereby order that the sentence shall run concurrently”.
Justice Omotosho delivered the judgment four years after Kanu was arrested in Kenya under contentious circumstances and brought back to Nigeria.
