Former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, together with several Igbo advocacy organisations, has sharply criticised the life imprisonment imposed on IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court.
Responding to the verdict, Wabara said the ruling amounted to a collective punishment of the Igbo people.
He described the judgment as unjust and discriminatory, stressing that it was “not Kanu alone, but the entire Igbo race that they have imprisoned for life.”
He expressed disbelief that, barely a day before, a Boko Haram commander had received only a five-year sentence, yet Kanu, whom he described as a non-violent campaigner, was given life imprisonment.
Wabara maintained that Kanu is not a terrorist but a freedom advocate fighting against the marginalisation of the Igbo.
He also confirmed that the legal team would challenge the ruling, expressing optimism about a favourable outcome at the appellate courts.
The Igbo Women Assembly (IWA) was equally critical of the judgment, rejecting it outright and describing it as “pre-written” and unjust.
According to IWA National President, Lolo Nneka Chimezie, the court failed to consider Kanu’s written submissions before delivering the life sentence.
She insisted that Kanu’s activism was anchored on fairness and justice for the Igbo people, arguing that “The law they apply for the Igbos is not the same as for other Nigerians,” and adding, “The real terrorists are being rehabilitated and reintegrated, while peaceful IPOB members face harsh sentencing for legitimate demands.”
Former Minister of Education and Health, Professor Ihechukwu Madubuike, expressed confidence that the ruling could be overturned, pointing out that Kanu has 90 days within which to file an appeal.
Similarly, HRH Eze Philip Ajomuiwe, former Chairman of the Umuahia North Council of Traditional Rulers, condemned the verdict as evidence of deep-rooted bias.
He questioned how Kanu could be convicted on charges for which he had previously been acquitted by the Court of Appeal, adding that Kanu’s calls for a peaceful restructuring of the country were justified and ought to be respected.
