Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has claimed that the life sentence recently handed to IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu was part of what he described as a “pre-written script” by the Nigerian government. Sowore made the allegations during an interview on Perspective, hosted by Ruth Oseme on Arise News.

According to him, he had advance knowledge of the judgment days before it was delivered. He added that the heavy-handed conduct of security operatives around the court was part of efforts to suppress public reaction.

“Everything that played out on the day of his conviction was already known to us,” Sowore said.
“On November 5, before the judgment, I posted publicly that the plan was to sentence him to de@th… We were tear-gassed, arrested, and detained for four days. There was a deliberate script.”

Sowore alleged that the government initially considered a death sentence before settling for life imprisonment to avoid widespread backlash. He insisted that although Kanu was convicted, the ideas he represents remain “very much alive.”

Accuses Govt of Double Standards

The activist also criticised what he called the government’s preferential treatment of terror leaders responsible for mass killings, alleging that some even move freely with security escorts.

“Actual terrorists enjoy better treatment. Some hold press conferences with heavy weapons,” he said.

Says Evidence Against Kanu Was Weak

Sowore also questioned the evidence presented against Kanu, claiming that items such as a microphone, radio transmitter, and clothing found in a hotel room were insufficient to justify a life sentence.

He asked how someone held incommunicado by the DSS could be accused of giving external orders linked to violent acts.

“How does he get life imprisonment while a Boko Haram commander who has killed people gets 20 years? It’s animal farm justice,” he added.

Accuses Southeast Politicians of Silence

Sowore further accused Southeast political leaders of distancing themselves from Kanu for selfish political reasons.

“I called almost all of them during the ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu’ protests. None responded. They feared his influence,” he said.

He argued that many preferred a “political solution,” believing it would position them as mediators while allowing them to brand Kanu an ex-convict after his sentencing.

“Nigeria Harbours Structural Bias”

Touching on broader national issues, Sowore said Kanu’s case reflects a deeper structural bias against the Igbo ethnic group—an issue he believes dates back to the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War.

“Anyone who says the Igbo aren’t treated differently is being dishonest,” he added.

On the ‘Cabal’ Narrative

Addressing claims that a hidden cabal controls Nigeria, Sowore dismissed the idea as a political excuse.

“The presidency in Nigeria is extremely powerful. The number-one cabal is the president himself and those he appoints,” he said.

He argued that if any president claims to be constrained by external forces, such a leader should resign, insisting that Nigeria’s leadership problem is largely one of competence and capacity.