FG seeks death penalty for Nnamdi Kanu following terrorism conviction

The Federal Government has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to impose the death penalty on Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), after his conviction on seven counts of terrorism on Thursday.

Justice James Omotoso, who delivered the judgment, found Kanu guilty on all seven charges, ruling that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Following the conviction, the Federal Government’s lead counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, called on the court to impose the maximum sentence allowed under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013.

He emphasized that the law mandates the death penalty for several of the offences for which Kanu was convicted.

“My Lord, consequent upon the conviction, nothing further remains but the lawful imposition of sentence,” Awomolo told the court.

“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.

“The court has no discretion in this regard.”

Justice Omotoso subsequently adjourned proceedings and announced that sentencing would resume at 3:50 p.m., when the court is expected to deliver its decision on Kanu’s sentence.