FG Asks Court to Impose Death Penalty on Nnamdi Kanu After Terrorism Conviction

The Federal Government has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to impose the death penalty on Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), following his conviction on all seven terrorism-related charges.

The request was made on Thursday by the government’s lead counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), shortly after Justice James Omotosho found Kanu guilty on all counts.

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Addressing the court after the verdict, Awomolo argued that the gravity of Kanu’s alleged actions warranted the maximum punishment provided under Nigeria’s terrorism laws. He stated that Kanu committed “many illegalities” and should not receive lenient treatment.

Awomolo reminded the court that four of the seven offences for which Kanu was convicted attract the death sentence. He urged Justice Omotosho to consider this in determining the appropriate punishment.

“It will not amount to justice if he is treated lightly in a country grappling with Boko Haram, ISWAP, Lakurawa and others,” the senior lawyer insisted, stressing that Kanu’s activities were equally destabilising and should be treated with the same level of seriousness.

He further urged the court to ensure that Kanu remains in a secure correctional facility to prevent any potential security breaches while awaiting sentencing.

Earlier, the court held that Kanu was guilty of inciting violence, directing attacks on security personnel, encouraging killings, and issuing threats capable of terrorising the public  all of which were substantiated through broadcast recordings tendered by the prosecution.