By Sabiu Abdullahi
A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a 48-year-old man, Paul Okechukwu, to 20 years in prison for membership of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Justice Hauwa Yilwa delivered the sentence on Thursday after Okechukwu pleaded guilty to the first of two charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
The prosecution alleged that Okechukwu, a native of Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, belonged to IPOB in Imo State in 2021, in violation of Section 16 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the second charge, which accused him of participating in an attack that claimed the lives of two security operatives.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, who led the prosecution, subsequently withdrew the second charge, prompting the court to strike it out.
Following an amendment to the charge, the prosecution called a Department of State Services (DSS) operative, identified as “ABC” to protect his identity during the trial.
The witness, who said he was part of the team that investigated Okechukwu, identified him as an IPOB member and alleged that he participated in terrorist activities, including attacks on security personnel. The court admitted the investigation report presented by the witness as Exhibit A.
Fagbemi urged the court to convict Okechukwu, arguing that the law prescribes a minimum prison term 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 Attorney-General said.
Okechukwu reportedly broke down in tears in the dock and pleaded for leniency after the prosecution requested the sentence.
In her ruling, Justice Yilwa found him guilty of the offence and imposed a 20-year prison term. She said the court had considered the charge and “the ripple effect it has on the nation”.
The judge directed that Okechukwu be remanded in a correctional facility designated by the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service. His sentence is to run from the date of his arrest.
She also ordered that he undergo rehabilitation and deradicalisation after completing his prison term.
