Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court has sentenced the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment, bringing an end to a decade-long legal battle.

The judgment, delivered on Thursday, comes four years after Kanu was arrested in Kenya under controversial circumstances and extradited to Nigeria. He was later arraigned on seven counts bordering on terrorism.

The ruling was handed down in Kanu’s absence after he insisted that the court would not deliver judgment on the charges filed against him by the Federal Government. His refusal to cooperate reportedly led to a brief disruption in the courtroom, prompting Justice Omotosho to order security operatives to escort him out for what the judge described as “unruly behaviour.”

In the judgment, Justice Omotosho held that multiple broadcasts by Kanu via Radio Biafra amounted to acts of terrorism, noting that his rhetoric promoted violence and insecurity. The judge further ruled that IPOB’s sit-at-home directive across the South-East constituted a terrorist act, as it infringed on citizens’ right to freedom of movement.

According to the court, evidence presented during the trial showed that Kanu used his broadcasts to issue directives encouraging attacks on police and military personnel, which the judge said amounted to “preparatory terrorism.”

Kanu was convicted on all seven counts despite pleading not guilty. Justice Omotosho noted that the IPOB leader displayed no remorse throughout the proceedings, describing him as “arrogant, cocky, and full of himself, without recognising the gravity of his actions or their consequences on the people of the South-East.”

While Kanu was eligible for the death penalty under some of the charges, the court opted for life imprisonment. Justice Omotosho said the decision was in line with the global shift away from capital punishment.

“The death penalty globally is now being frowned upon by the international community. Consequently, in the interest of justice, I hereby sentence the convict to life imprisonment on counts one, four, five, and six,” the judge ruled.