Nnamdi Kanu: Ndigbo imprisoned for life, says Ex-Senate President, Wabara

Former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara, alongside Igbo advocacy groups, has strongly condemned the life imprisonment handed down to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court.

Reacting to the verdict, Senator Wabara described the ruling as unjust, saying it was “not Kanu alone, but the entire Igbo race that they have imprisoned for life.” He expressed shock that while a Boko Haram leader was sentenced to just five years in prison 24 hours earlier, Kanu—a non-violent activist—received a life sentence. Wabara insisted that Kanu is not a terrorist but a freedom fighter advocating against injustice toward the Igbo people. He confirmed that the judgment would be appealed, expressing hope for a favorable outcome at the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court.

Igbo Women Assembly (IWA) also rejected the verdict, calling it “pre-written” and unfair. IWA National President, Lolo Nneka Chimezie, criticized the court for disregarding Kanu’s written submissions while proceeding to deliver the life sentence. She argued that Kanu’s activism sought only equity and justice for the Igbo people.

“The law they apply for the Igbos is not the same as for other Nigerians,” Chimezie said. “The real terrorists are being rehabilitated and reintegrated, while peaceful IPOB members face harsh sentencing for legitimate demands.”

Professor Ihechukwu Madubuike, former Minister of Education and Health, expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal could overturn the ruling, noting that Kanu has 90 days to file an appeal.

Similarly, HRH Eze Philip Ajomuiwe, former Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers, Umuahia North, described the judgment as reflective of entrenched anti-Igbo bias in the country. He questioned why Kanu was found guilty on counts of which he had previously been acquitted by the Court of Appeal, adding that Kanu’s calls for peaceful restructuring of Nigeria were justified and should be respected.

The reactions underscore growing discontent among Igbo leaders and civil society over the life sentence, highlighting broader concerns about perceived inequalities in Nigeria’s judicial system.