Sentencing Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment is irresponsible — Archbishop Onuagha

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

NNEWI — The Methodist Archbishop of Okigwe Archdiocese, Most Rev. Livinus Biereonwu Onuagha, has criticised the life imprisonment sentence handed down to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, describing it as a grave misjudgment and a decision he believes does not reflect fairness or justice.

Reacting to the ruling by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, the Archbishop said the judgment had further deepened concerns about governance and the state of the nation’s legal system.

According to Archbishop Onuagha, the ruling has amplified fears that Nigeria is not functioning as it should, adding that continued national tensions highlight the need for honest conversations about the country’s unity.

He also warned that political leaders in the South-East must engage more sincerely with the concerns of their people. “Igbo politicians should recognise the realities on the ground and respond to the grievances of the region,” he said.

The Archbishop further questioned the consistency of the nation’s justice and security policies. He argued that while some individuals linked to violent crimes are being rehabilitated and reintegrated into society, Kanu—whom he described as a non-violent agitator—has received a maximum sentence.

“When people who have taken up arms are being reintegrated into society, while someone who has not been linked to violence is given life imprisonment, many citizens begin to question the fairness of the system,” he said.

He urged the Federal Government to prioritise justice, dialogue, and equitable treatment of all groups, insisting that lasting peace can only be achieved when all citizens feel protected under the law.

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