By Divine Sam.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a 48-year-old man, Paul Okechukwu, to 20 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a proscribed organisation.

Justice Hawa Yilwa delivered the judgment on Thursday after Okechukwu admitted guilt to one of the two charges filed 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 2021 while in Imo State. The government said the offence was punishable under 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, the defendant pleaded not guilty to that allegation.

Following an application by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who personally led the prosecution, the court struck out the second count after the government withdrew it.

The prosecution subsequently called a witness from the Department of State Services (DSS) under Section 72 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act (TPPA) 2022 to provide details concerning the case.

The witness, identified as “ABC” for the trial, told the court that Okechukwu was a member of IPOB, which had been outlawed. He also alleged that the defendant was involved in terrorist activities, including attacks on security personnel.

The witness, who said he was part of the team that investigated the defendant, tendered the investigation report, which the court admitted as Exhibit A.

While urging the court to convict the defendant, Fagbemi argued that the law prescribed a minimum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment 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 added.

Immediately after the prosecution made its submission, Okechukwu reportedly broke down in tears in the dock and appealed to the court for mercy.

In her ruling, Justice Yilwa found him guilty of belonging to the proscribed organisation and sentenced him to 20 years in prison.

The judge said the court had considered the charge against the defendant and “the ripple effect it has on the nation.”

She ordered that Okechukwu be held in a correctional facility designated by the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service. The sentence, the court ruled, would run from the date of his arrest.

The court further directed that the convict undergo rehabilitation and be redecalised after completing his prison term.