There has been mixed reactions across South East over Nnamdi Kanu’s conviction and life imprisonment sentencing.
NaijaOnPoint Nigeria reports that mixed reactions surfaced across Owerri on Thursday following the conviction and sentencing of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, on terrorism-related charges.
While residents gathered in clusters across parts of the municipality to quietly discuss the development, only a handful were willing to speak openly about the outcome of the case.
Chief Simeon Odike said the ruling did not come as a surprise, noting that previous court decisions in favour of Kanu had been ignored.
“I am not surprised by the judgment. I expected nothing different,” he said. “How many judgments have been delivered in favour of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu? Were any of them obeyed? Has anyone paid him the monetary damages awarded by competent courts?
“Prominent Igbo sons and daughters, including clerics and recently no fewer than 44 members of the National Assembly from various parts of the country, appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release him. Sadly, it did not work. We can only wait to see what happens next.”
Another resident, Mr. Luke Okechukwu, expressed disappointment, insisting that a political solution could have prevented the current outcome.
“I am saddened by the judgment of the Federal High Court,” he said. “The mood of the people shows how they truly feel. There could have been a calm, political approach rather than relying solely on the judicial process.
“The court can give justice, but not peace. These are two different things.”
Mrs. Adaora Okoro recalled the long trajectory of the case, noting that Kanu’s ordeal dates back to 2015 and intensified after the 2017 raid on his family home by soldiers.
“The life imprisonment handed down today did not shock anyone who has followed this matter from the beginning,” she said. “It feels like the conclusion was predetermined. What is striking is that major national television stations streamed the court session live.”