Human rights activist and lawyer, Barrister Deji Adeyanju, has sharply criticised the life sentence handed to Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Adeyanju described the ruling as a troubling sign of Nigeria’s deepening insecurity and systemic failure, warning that “no one is safe.”

Reacting in a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Adeyanju wrote:
“Nigeria has happened to Nnamdi Kanu, but MAY NIGERIA NOT HAPPEN TO YOU.”

He cautioned Nigerians against viewing the judgment through ethnic or tribal lenses, stressing that instability in any part of the country ultimately affects all citizens.

“You may rejoice today because of tribal or ethnic sentiments, but as long as you live in Nigeria, nothing is guaranteed. We are all victims,” he said.

Adeyanju revealed that attacks had already spread to communities in Kogi and Kwara states, warning that no region might be spared.
“They are already attacking my village in Kogi and some other people’s village in Kwara; yours may be next,” he wrote.

While acknowledging that Kanu may have made mistakes in his methods, he argued that the IPOB leader did not deserve his current fate.

“No one is safe in Nigeria. Kanu was wrong in the way he went about some things, but he did not deserve this,” Adeyanju said.

He criticised what he described as the government’s double standards, noting that Kanu had been detained for years while individuals responsible for mass killings were being reintegrated into society.

“Mazi Kanu kept in custody for years for demanding Biafra, but those killing thousands of citizens and security officials are pampered and rehabilitated,” he said.

Adeyanju called for a national reckoning over the worsening security crisis.

“Let us tell ourselves the truth for once in this country: look at the way these terrorists are killing citizens all over the place. They are now moving to southern Nigeria in full force. My zone, the North Central, was almost conquered,” he warned.

SaharaReporters earlier reported that Justice Omotosho had sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment on counts 1, 4, 5, and 6 of the terrorism charges against him. The court also imposed 20 years on count 7 and an additional 5-year term on another count, both without the option of a fine. All sentences are to run concurrently.

The judge said Kanu had shown no remorse and continued to exhibit violent and unruly behaviour, adding that although international observers objected to the death penalty, the court was still compelled to impose severe punishment.

Justice Omotosho described Kanu’s actions as “atrocious,” a ruling that has drawn widespread criticism across the country.