The Federal Government has formally asked a court to impose the death penalty on Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), following his conviction on seven counts of terrorism.
In court filings after the verdict, the government’s lead prosecutor, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, argued that Kanu’s actions — including incitement to violence and leadership of the proscribed IPOB and its Eastern Security Network (ESN) arm — warrant the maximum punishment under Nigerian law.
“The only sentence Your Lordship can impose … is death,” Awomolo told Justice James Omotosho, citing provisions of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013.
He maintained that Kanu had shown no remorse, asserting that his courtroom conduct was marked by “arrogance” rather than repentance.
In addition to the death sentence, the government is also asking the court to forfeit all broadcast equipment seized from Kanu and to restrict his access to digital devices and the internet upon incarceration.
Human rights defenders, including activist Omoyele Sowore, have warned that the demand for execution may represent a covert political move.
They suggest the decision has “long been mapped out … under the guise of judicial process.”
The sentencing, which was scheduled after Kanu’s conviction, is now expected later today, raising tensions and concerns over political dynamics in Nigeria’s southeast.
