7 Major Quotes Of Judge Who Handed Kanu Life Sentence

There were many quotes in the judgement of Justice Jamee Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, during the conviction and sentencing of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

The judge sentenced Kanu after convicting him on all the 7 counts of terrorism filed against him.

Below are the quotes:

1. “According to him, the Defendant is the founder of IPOB, a terrorist organization calling for the cessation of South-Eastern, South South states and some parts of Benue and Kogi from the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

2. “What therefore constitutes a terrorist act from all the definitions above is any act of violence or threat of violence intended to cause fear or put the recipient of such violence or threat in a state of fear.”

3. “One of the crucial element in establishing a crime, the intention or knowledge with which a Defendant carried out the act can be expressed by him and if not so expressed can be deducted from his conduct or activities or other connected circumstances.”

4. “The Defendant is not only a confirmed local terrorist but I hold without any hesitation that he is an international terrorist flowing from his
threat to attack the British High Commission and the American Embassy as well as his incitement against the British High Commissioner to Nigeria at the time, Catherina Liang, a known woman of peace.”

5. “However, any person agitating for self-determination can do so through the National
Assembly seeking for amendment of the Constitution regarding the indivisibility of Nigeria and to reflect the recognition of the agitating
states. It is after this that the procedure can be said to be completed but not excluding referendum.”

6. “I must say here that the Defendant has always claimed to be a freedom fighter and he is only seeking justice for his people. Indeed, this is
known in law as the right to self-determination. The right to self-determination is a political right recognized in several international instruments.”

7. “It is interesting to note that the defendant who claims to be a freedom fighter has even caused more harm to his own people who are predominantly of Christian faith. Can this be said to be agitation of self-determination? Not at all.”
(Daily trust)