A public affairs and political commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has issued a strong message to South-East politicians following the life sentence handed to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
On 20 November 2025, Justice James Olawole Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment on terrorism charges.
The ruling marked a major turning point in the long-running legal battle involving the IPOB leader.
Shehu Reacts to Court Judgement
Reacting to the judgement, Shehu used his official X (formerly Twitter) handle to address political leaders from the South-East.
His comments centred on what he described as “silent but significant roles” played by politicians in the region during Kanu’s ordeal.
In his post, he wrote: “A ‘DESERVING CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL SOUTH-EAST POLITICIANS FOR A ‘JOB WELL-DONE’”.
According to him, leaders from the region may now “have a peaceful night” because their “biggest political threat” has been convicted.
Silent Roles and Alleged Betrayal
Shehu alleged that many South-East governors, senators, ministers, and political appointees contributed quietly to Kanu’s predicament. He accused them of acting out of “cowardice, fear, greed and betrayal”.
He further stated that Kanu was viewed as a political force capable of reducing their popularity. This, he explained, motivated some leaders to remain silent while the case progressed.
Achebe’s Warning and Karma Claims
Shehu referenced the works of the late literary icon Prof Chinua Achebe, quoting lines such as:
“The hill may not know, but it is on the ground”,
“No man however great was greater than his people; no one ever won judgment against his people,” and
“The death that will kill a man begins as an appetite.”
He warned that some politicians “feasting with a lion” would soon face consequences, adding that their celebrations would be short-lived because “karma will catch up with them”.
Kanu Will Be Free Someday – Shehu
Shehu argued that Kanu’s freedom is only a matter of time. He referenced figures such as Sunday Igboho, Gani Adams, Tompolo, Dokubo Asari and “repentant Boko Haram kingpins” who regained freedom despite serious accusations against them.
According to him, Nigeria has seen drug barons, arsonists, treasury looters and other offenders regain freedom. He concluded with the message: “A DAY IS COMING.”
