‘Why Did Kanu Get Life While Ansaru Terrorist Gets 20 Years?’ — Muhammad Bello El‑Rufai Challenges Sentencing Disparities!

‘Why Did Kanu Get Life While Ansaru Terrorist Gets 20 Years?’ — Muhammad Bello El‑Rufai Challenges Sentencing Disparities!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

Nnamdi Kanu’s recent life sentence under terrorism charges has reignited debates over the fairness and consistency of sentencing in high‑profile security cases — especially when militants from Islamist groups receive seemingly more lenient terms. [1]

“I don’t understand why one terrorist gets 20 years and the other gets life. There’s this idea that justice is served differently,” El‑Rufai said, speaking in parliament and referencing a recent 20‑year sentence handed to a convict reportedly linked to Ansaru / Boko Haram. [2]

The Sentences in Question

• On November 20, 2025, a court convicted Nnamdi Kanu — leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) — on seven terrorism‑related charges. He was handed a life sentence for the most serious counts, plus additional concurrent jail terms. [3]
• A separate high‑profile terrorism convict, reportedly associated with Ansaru/Boko Haram, was given a 20‑year jail term, prompting questions from lawmakers and legal commentators about the criteria guiding such verdicts. [2] Why the Disparity Matters

Public trust in justice: Divergent sentences for what many consider comparable offences risk eroding public confidence in the judicial system. As El‑Rufai emphasized, such disparities foster suspicion of bias or unequal treatment. [2]

• Impact on security strategy: Consistency in sentencing may influence deterrence. If potential terrorists believe they might receive shorter sentences, the deterrent effect weakens.
• Regional and political implications:Given that the convicts come from different parts of Nigeria — with varying political, ethnic, and regional affiliations — the sense of fairness matters not just legally but socially and politically.

What to Watch

• Whether court rulings adhere to uniform standards when sentencing individuals convicted of terrorism, regardless of their affiliations.
• Possible appeals or legal reviews prompted by public and parliamentary pressure over perceived inconsistency.
• Effects on reaction from militant networks — whether they perceive sentencing disparities as favouritism or justification for further violence.

Citations:

1. Businessday NG: businessday.ng/news/article/terrorism-kanu-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment-a-decade-after-arrest/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Sahara Reporters: saharareporters.com/2025/11/28/el-rufais-son-condemns-disparities-terrorism-sentencing-questions-why-boko-haram-convict?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. AP News: apnews.com/article/9708d396efd89ac07b90b77d02fd96ff?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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