The Federal Government has requested that the Federal High Court in Abuja impose the death penalty on Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), following his conviction on seven terrorism charges.
Justice James Omotosho, while delivering the judgment, ruled that the prosecution had established its case beyond reasonable doubt, confirming Kanu’s guilt on all seven counts.
Immediately after the conviction, the Federal Government’s lead counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), urged the court to apply the maximum punishment stipulated under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013.
Awomolo reminded the court that the law prescribes the death sentence for several of the offences for which Kanu was found guilty.
“My Lord, consequent upon the conviction, nothing further remains but the lawful imposition of sentence. The punishment prescribed for the offences in Counts One, Two, Four, Five and Six, pursuant to Section 12H of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013, is death,” Awomolo submitted.
“With all sense of humility, I say as a prosecutor that this court has no discretion in that regard. The only sentence Your Lordship can impose for Counts One, Two, Four, Five and Six is death, because the law empowers you to do so, and we expect that you will.”
After Awomolo’s submission, Justice Omotosho announced a recess, stating that the court would reconvene later in the afternoon to continue proceedings.
In a separate update, the court confirmed that sentencing would be delivered at 4:50 p.m. on Thursday.
The judge’s decision came after hours of judgment, during which he reaffirmed that the prosecution had proved its case against Kanu beyond reasonable doubt.
Earlier, the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Obi Aguocha, pleaded for leniency on behalf of the IPOB leader.
Justice Omotosho acknowledged the plea, saying he would factor all submissions into consideration before delivering the final sentence.
Awomolo also argued that the conviction would offer relief to families of 75 officers who were reportedly killed. He insisted that the law must take its course, describing the death penalty as the only lawful sentence.
He further asked that Kanu be held in the safest possible detention facility, noting that the Kuje Correctional Centre may not be ideal due to past security breaches.
The case, which has spanned several years, is regarded as one of the longest-running legal proceedings in Nigeria’s history.
What you should know
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed IPOB movement, has faced longstanding charges linked to actions considered threats to national security.
His conviction on seven terrorism counts marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s legal and political landscape. The Federal Government is pressing for the death penalty, citing provisions in the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013.
His case has drawn nationwide attention due to IPOB’s activities, regional tensions, and years of legal battles. As sentencing approaches, public interest remains high, especially regarding implications for security, separatist agitation, and the broader justice system.
