The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a self-confessed member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Paul Okechukwu, 48, to 20 years in prison for belonging to the proscribed group.
Justice Hawa Yilwa delivered the judgment on Thursday after Okechukwu pleaded guilty to one of the two charges filed against him by the Federal Government.
The government accused the defendant, from Nnewi South, Anambra State, of belonging to IPOB in Imo State in 2021, an offence punishable under the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013.
He pleaded not guilty to the second charge, which accused him of taking part in an attack that killed two security operatives. The charge was later withdrawn following an application by Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and subsequently struck out.
A Department of State Services (DSS) witness, identified as “ABC”, told the court that Okechukwu belonged to IPOB and was involved in terrorist acts, including attacks on security agents. The witness also tendered an investigation report, admitted as Exhibit A.
Fagbemi urged the court to impose the maximum sentence, saying, “We therefore urge my lord to impose the maximum sentence, at least to serve as a deterrent to others and to also show that the nation cannot condone any act of terrorism,”
Okechukwu reportedly broke down in tears and begged for mercy.
The court cited “the ripple effect it has on the nation” and ordered that his sentence begin from the day of his arrest. He is to serve his term in a correctional facility selected by the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The court also ordered his rehabilitation and redecalisation after completing his sentence.
