A federal high court in Abuja has sentenced Paul Okechukwu, a 48-year-old self-confessed member of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to 20 years in prison for belonging to the organisation.
Hauwa Yilwa, the presiding judge, handed down the sentence
on Thursday after Okechukwu pleaded guilty to the first of two counts filed
against him by the federal government.
The prosecution alleged that Okechukwu, who hails from Nnewi
south LGA of Anambra state, belonged to IPOB in Imo state in 2021, contrary to
section 16 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013.
The second count accused him of participating in an attack
in which two security operatives were killed. Okechukwu pleaded not guilty to
the charge.
Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and
minister of justice, who led the prosecution, subsequently withdrew the second
count, following which the court struck it out.
After the charge was amended, the prosecution called a
Department of State Services (DSS) witness, identified as “ABC” for the trial,
to testify.
The witness, who said he was part of the team that
investigated Okechukwu, identified him as an IPOB member and alleged that he
was involved in terrorist activities, including attacks on security personnel.
He also tendered the investigation report, which the court
admitted as Exhibit A.
In his submission, Fagbemi urged the court to convict
Okechukwu, arguing that the law prescribes a minimum sentence of 20 years for
the offence.
“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,” the AGF said.
Okechukwu broke down in tears in the dock after the
prosecution urged the court to impose the sentence, pleading for leniency.
In her ruling, the judge found him guilty of the offence and
sentenced him to 20 years in prison.
The judge said the court had considered the charge and “the
ripple effect it has on the nation”.
She ordered that Okechukwu be remanded in a correctional
facility designated by the comptroller-general of the Nigerian Correctional
Service to serve his term, which is to run from the date of his arrest.
The court also directed that he undergoes rehabilitation and
deradicalisation after completing his prison sentence.
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