“Scripted Judgement”: Nnamdi Kanu’s Wife Criticizes Federal High Court Ruling

Uchechi Okwu-Kanu, wife of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, has strongly condemned the life imprisonment sentence handed down to her husband by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

She alleged that the trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, failed to follow essential constitutional procedures during the ruling.

According to Uchechi, it is mandatory for a judge to read the relevant law related to any terrorism charge before asking a defendant to present a defence.

She claimed that Justice Omotosho relied on a prepared script, struggled to articulate parts of the judgment, and did not issue written rulings on key applications.

Her criticisms followed the court’s decision sentencing Kanu to life in prison after finding him guilty on seven counts of terrorism.

Justice Omotosho stated that the prosecution had provided sufficient evidence and noted that Kanu did not present a defense, relying solely on the prosecution’s case.

Reacting to the verdict, Uchechi tweeted:

“In Nigeria, a judge cannot ask a defendant to open a defense on terrorism charges without reading out the written law under which the court is trying that person… Omotosho forced Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to take a plea under a repealed law, which he refused.”

She added that blocking Kanu from submitting a final address violated his constitutional rights and described the proceedings as a travesty of justice.

The ruling has intensified public debate over judicial procedure, constitutional adherence, and fairness in high-profile terrorism trials in Nigeria.