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. Justice Hauwa Yilwa delivered the sentence on Thursday, October 22, 2026, after Okechukwu pleaded guilty to belonging to the group in Imo State in 2021.The Federal Government had accused Okechukwu of belonging to IPOB in violation of Nigeria’s terrorism law. He pleaded not guilty to a separate charge alleging his participation in an attack that killed two security operatives.Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi subsequently withdrew the second charge, which the court struck out.
The judge ordered that Okechukwu’s 20-year sentence run from his date of arrest and directed that he undergo rehabilitation and deradicalisation after completing his prison term.👉 Follow Daily Times Nigeria for more updates.#DailyTimesNigeria #IPOB #NigeriaNews #Abuja
Joseph Akwagiobe is a media contributor from Cross River State, Nigeria, currently based in Abuja. He is a graduate of Microbiology and has earned several professional certifications across diverse fields, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and excellence.