The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Paul Okechukwu, a self-confessed member of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to 20 years in prison for belonging to the organisation. Justice Hawa Yilwa handed down the sentence after Okechukwu pleaded guilty to one count of a two-count charge filed…...
The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Paul Okechukwu, a self-confessed member of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to 20 years in prison for belonging to the organisation.
Justice Hawa Yilwa handed down the sentence after Okechukwu pleaded guilty to one count of a two-count charge filed against him by the Federal Government.
The first count accused Okechukwu, a resident of Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, of belonging 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 that resulted in the deaths of two security operatives.
However, Okechukwu pleaded not guilty to the second count, which was subsequently withdrawn by the prosecution and struck out by the court.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, personally led the prosecution and sought the court’s permission for a witness from the Department of State Services (DSS) to testify under Section 72 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.
The witness, identified as “ABC” for trial purposes, testified that Okechukwu belonged to IPOB and was involved in terrorist activities, including attacks on security personnel.
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He also presented an investigation report, which was admitted in evidence as Exhibit A.
In urging the court to convict the defendant, Fagbemi argued that the law prescribed a minimum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment for the offence.
Following the prosecution’s submissions, Okechukwu broke down in tears in the dock and appealed to the court for mercy.
In her judgment, Justice Yilwa found him guilty of the offence and sentenced him to 20 years in prison.
The court ordered that he be remanded in a correctional facility designated by the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service to serve his sentence, which would run from the date of his arrest.
The judge also emphasised the need for the convict’s rehabilitation and re-education after serving his prison term.