Archbishop Onuagha Slams Life Sentence for Kanu, Calls for Justice and Dialogue

Archbishop Livinus Biereonwu Onuagha of the Methodist Archdiocese of Olivier in Imo State has strongly criticized the life imprisonment handed to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), calling it a serious mistake that undermines justice in Nigeria.

Speaking out after the verdict delivered by Justice James Omotosho, Onuagha said the ruling has deepened public doubts about the fairness of the country’s legal system. He questioned the integrity of the judiciary, suggesting that the decision reflects a broader problem in how justice is served in Nigeria.

Onuagha urged leaders from the Southeast to take a more active role in addressing 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 compared Kanu’s sentence to the treatment of known violent offenders, pointing out that many who have committed serious crimes have been released or lightly punished, while Kanu whom he described as peaceful received the harshest penalty.

“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,” Onuagha stated.

He called on the government to focus on justice, open dialogue, and equal treatment for all Nigerians. According to him, lasting peace can only be achieved when every citizen feels safe and fairly treated under the law.