Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, says he opted for a life sentence rather than imposing the death penalty on the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
On Thursday, Justice convicted Kanu of the terrorism charges preferred against him by the Department of State Services.
Omotosho noted that the sentence for the offences brought against Nnamdi Kanu was the death penalty, but he had to temper justice with mercy because of the teachings of the Holy Book.
The judge stressed that the death penalty is gradually being abolished in many countries, just as religious doctrines also advocate mercy.
Quoting verses from the book of Matthew in the Bible, the trial judge pointed out that Jesus Christ taught His followers to always exhibit mercy.
Justice Omotosho however held that the IPOB leader’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.
The court ordered that Kanu be kept in protective custody at any secure location in the country.
The judge also ruled that Kanu must not have access to electronic devices unless under strict monitoring by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The judge also 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.
