I spared Nnamdi Kanu out of mercy – Justice Omotosho
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has given reasons for imposing a life sentence instead of the death penalty on Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who was convicted on terrorism charges today.
Delivering judgment, Justice Omotosho said that although the offences for which Kanu was convicted carried the death penalty, he opted for a lesser punishment in line with the teachings of the Holy Book and the global shift away from capital punishment. Citing the book of Matthew, the judge stressed that Jesus Christ encouraged mercy and compassion.
The court also ruled that Kanu must be held in a facility that reflects his status, noting that the Kuje Correctional Centre would not serve the purpose of the sentence. He ordered that the IPOB leader be kept in protective custody at any secure location in the country.
In addition, the court barred Kanu from accessing electronic devices except under strict supervision by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Justice Omotosho further ordered the forfeiture of the transmitter used for Kanu’s broadcasts to the Federal Government, adding that any other equipment connected to the case would be confiscated if no appeal is filed.
