Aloy Ejimakor, legal counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, has pledged to challenge the Federal High Court’s life imprisonment ruling against the IPOB leader.

Speaking to journalists shortly after Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgement on Thursday, Ejimakor called the verdict a “travesty of justice” and confirmed that the defence team would take the case to the Court of Appeal.

Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on counts one, four, five, and six. He also received 20 years for count three and five years for count seven, with all sentences running concurrently and without an option of a fine.

Ejimakor criticised the ruling, arguing that it relied solely on Kanu’s words rather than any direct actions.

“This is the only day I have witnessed a man being convicted for mere pronouncements, for what he said, not for anything he physically did,” he said.

He added: “The sentence is overbroad, cruel, and unusual. How can someone be convicted for a broadcast from an unnamed location that wasn’t tied to any act of violence or terrorism?”

Ejimakor stated that if the Court of Appeal does not overturn the ruling, the defence will proceed to the Supreme Court, expressing confidence that Kanu’s conviction will ultimately be reversed.