Former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Idemili Branch, Anambra State, Barrister Maurice Efobi, has criticised the life-imprisonment sentence handed to Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, describing the judgement as one he believes was “premeditated.”

Speaking to journalists in his chambers in Nkpor, near Onitsha, on Thursday, Efobi said he disagreed with the ruling delivered by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja. According to him, many in the Igbo community view the judgement as unfair, and he expressed concerns about what he described as long-standing feelings of marginalisation.

Efobi also questioned why individuals suspected of more serious violent crimes were, in his view, being treated differently. He argued that Kanu’s advocacy for self-determination should have attracted a political, rather than criminal, approach.

He added that the sentence does not foreclose further legal steps, noting that Kanu still has the option of appealing up to the Supreme Court. Efobi also said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may, at his discretion, consider a presidential pardon, depending on his assessment of national interest.

In a separate reaction, Executive Director of Human Rights Defenders and Southeast Chairman of the Campaign for Democracy (CD), Dede Uzor A. Uzor, described the sentence as “harsh,” saying Kanu was pursuing a political cause he believed in.

Uzor drew comparisons with other self-determination advocates from different regions who, he said, have since regained their freedom. He argued that a political resolution remains the best path forward.

According to him, “a political solution would help reduce tensions in the Southeast and support wider security stabilisation efforts.”

Both speakers emphasised that without a conciliatory approach, public concerns in the region may deepen. (Vanguard)