Legal Expert Criticizes Nnamdi Kanu’s Life Sentence, Calls Trial “Sham”

Prominent legal practitioner Uche Onyeagucha has condemned the life sentence handed to Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Onyeagucha, a former lawmaker representing Owerri Federal Constituency in Imo State, alleged that Justice Omotosho rushed the trial, describing it as illegal, null, void, and of no effect. He argued that the judge failed to comply with Sections 267 and 349(6)(b) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJ) 2015, which mandate that individuals charged with offenses punishable by death or life imprisonment must be represented by a lawyer.

In a statement personally signed on Sunday, Onyeagucha said the court had a duty to assign Nnamdi Kanu legal representation. He emphasized that Section 349(6)(b) explicitly prohibits defendants facing capital offenses or life imprisonment from representing themselves.

“Omotosho J. failed to follow this provision of the ACJ Act 2015 by allowing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to defend himself, contrary to the spirit of the law,” the statement read. “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu did not have legal representation as required, and therefore did not receive a fair trial or fair hearing.”

Onyeagucha further stated that the conviction and life sentence would likely be overturned on appeal, citing the combined provisions of Sections 267 and 349(6)(b). He concluded that Justice Omotosho “did not follow the law in discharging his duty as a judge” and that the judgment “will collapse on appeal.”