In a disquieting twist, Nigeria has handed Mazi Nnamdi Kanu a life sentence, a verdict delivered with theatrical bravado but rooted in selective justice. Far from closing a chapter, this judgment is likely to widen the rift it purports to heal.
At the heart of the matter lies a disturbing reality: Kanu was not extradited from Kenya by legal means, but apparently abducted. A Kenyan High Court judgment declared his rendition unlawful, condemned the violation of his rights, and underscored the illegality of the entire process. Yet, just months later, a Nigerian court pronounced him guilty on terrorism charges under a statute many argue was already repealed.
Through a satirical lens, this is not a courtroom proceeding but a tragicomedy: Justice, blindfolded, somehow still peeks at political instructions; the judge plays prosecutor; the gavel doubles as a weapon. The real casualty, however, is public trust.
This ruling will almost certainly generate more sympathisers for Kanu and IPOB. Instead of shrinking his influence, the judgment risks lionizing him. This decision will only deepen disillusionment for many in the East, already nursing historical grievances. The fragile faith some still hold in the Nigerian project grows thinner by the day.
And so the question arises, quietly at first but gaining volume across dinner tables, community halls, and social media feeds:
Is this judgment a ploy to fuel crisis in the Southeast and possibly designate a state of emergency on the region?
A painful question, but one the government’s conduct has invited.
As someone who has long believed in One Nigeria, I confess to be profoundly disappointed. Moments like this leave me almost ashamed of carrying that banner so proudly. Unity cannot survive on coercion and contradiction.
If there is any hope left, it lies in wisdom, not force. I pray the government adopts a non-kinetic, dialogue-first approach to calm the tension this verdict may ignite. A state can imprison a man, but it cannot imprison the truth, or the sentiment he represents.
This is bigger than one individual or one movement. It is about whether Nigeria lives up to its constitutional promises: justice, fairness, and equality under the law. Today, these ideals feel more aspirational than real.
Fear may intimidate a population for a moment; only justice unites a nation for a lifetime.
Okoye, Chuka Peter is a Civil Rights Actor and Advocate for Democratic Justice
