Justice James Kolawole Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday gave insight into why he elected to hand a life sentence instead of the death penalty to leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who was convicted of terrorism charges.
The judge said though the sentence for Nnamdi Kanu was the death penalty, he had to show mercy because of the teachings of the Holy Book.
Justice Omotosho also noted death penalty is gradually being abolished in many countries, while religious doctrines advocate mercy.
Quoting a portion of the book of Matthew, Justice Omotosho pointed out that Jesus Christ taught His followers to show mercy.
Justice Omotosho further held that Kanu’s confinement must be in a facility suitable for his status, noting that the Kuje Correctional Centre would not achieve the intended purpose of the sentence.
He ordered that the IPOB leader be placed in protective custody at any secure location in the country.
The court also ruled that Kanu must not have access to electronic devices unless under strict monitoring by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
In addition, the judge ordered the forfeiture of the transmitter used for Kanu’s broadcasts to the Federal Government, adding that other equipment linked to the case would also be confiscated if no appeal is filed.
