The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), will not be allowed to use phones, computers, or any digital device while serving his life imprisonment sentence for terrorism. The decision, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, forms part of the strict conditions placed on Kanu following his conviction.
Justice Omotosho announced the restriction while delivering judgment on the terrorism charges brought against Kanu by the Federal Government. He stated clearly that Kanu had previously used digital devices, especially phones, to broadcast messages that allegedly fuelled violence and instability in the South-East. Because of this, the court concluded that unrestricted access to such devices posed a security risk.
“From the evidence I have analyzed, the convict has previously used digital devices, including phones, to broadcast messages that incited atrocities,” the judge said. “Based on this, I fully agree with the prosecution that he must not be allowed near any digital device. If access is necessary, it must be closely monitored by the Office of the National Security Advisor.”
The decision on digital device restrictions came alongside the court’s judgment sentencing Kanu to life imprisonment. Justice Omotosho convicted Kanu on all seven counts of terrorism, arguing that his actions had led to loss of lives, fear, and destabilisation in the South-East over the years. Although the terrorism law allows the death penalty, the judge said he tempered justice with mercy by imposing a life sentence instead.
This ruling marks a major turning point in the long legal battle between the Federal Government and the IPOB leader, whose calls for an independent Biafra Republic have shaped political tension in the region for more than a decade.
Kanu has a long record of using digital platforms, particularly radio broadcasts, to communicate with his followers. His station, Radio Biafra, became widely known for airing messages that criticised the Federal Government and promoted the Biafra cause. The prosecution argued that many of these broadcasts encouraged civil disobedience, attacks on security agents, and destruction of government property.
Over the years, the South-East has witnessed several violent incidents linked to IPOB’s activities, though the group has repeatedly denied involvement in some attacks. Government security agencies have insisted that Kanu’s messages contributed to growing unrest, including the rise of armed groups and the enforcement of the controversial “sit-at-home” orders, which crippled business and social activities in several states.
These concerns formed part of the basis for the court’s decision to restrict his access to digital tools while in custody.
Justice Omotosho also ordered that Kanu be kept in protective custody. According to the court, this measure is necessary because of the scale of violence and tension associated with Kanu’s activities and the impact they had on communities in the South-East.
The judge said the killings and conflicts linked to IPOB’s agitation had taken a heavy toll on residents, businesses, and security agencies. As a result, Kanu’s imprisonment must be handled carefully to prevent further unrest or security breaches.
The court ruled that he be held at any suitable custodial centre in the country where adequate protection can be guaranteed.
In addition to the prison restrictions, the court ordered the forfeiture of a transmitter linked to the crimes associated with Camserva, a device the prosecution said was used to support broadcasts that encouraged violence. The transmitter will now become the property of the Federal Government.
This part of the ruling is intended to prevent the future use of similar equipment to promote hate speech, incitement, or any activity considered a threat to national security.
Nnamdi Kanu’s legal troubles date back to 2015 when he was first arrested and charged with treasonable felony. His detention sparked massive protests across the South-East and parts of the South-South. After being granted bail in 2017, he left the country following a military operation at his home in Abia State known as Operation Python Dance.
From abroad, Kanu continued to speak to his followers through online broadcasts, criticising the Federal Government and pushing for the secession of the South-East. The government declared IPOB a terrorist organisation in 2017, citing rising violence and confrontations with security forces.
Kanu was re-arrested in 2021 under controversial circumstances and has remained in custody since then. His trial has drawn local and international attention, with human rights groups questioning the fairness of the proceedings and regional leaders calling for dialogue to address deeper political grievances in the South-East.
Although the court has given its ruling, the case is expected to continue drawing reactions. Kanu’s lawyers have already hinted at plans to appeal the life sentence, arguing that the judgment was not based on solid evidence. They insist that Kanu should not have been convicted for what they describe as “mere broadcasts.”
For now, Kanu will remain in protective custody with no access to phones, computers, or any device capable of digital communication—one of the strictest conditions imposed on a high-profile inmate in Nigeria in recent years.
