Reactions As FG Demands Death Penalty for Nnamdi Kanu After Terrorism Conviction

The Federal Government on Thursday asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to impose the death penalty on the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, following his conviction on all seven terrorism charges brought against him.

The request was made by the government’s lead counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, shortly after Justice James Omotosho found Kanu guilty of all counts relating to terrorism, incitement, and complicity in violent acts linked to IPOB and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Awomolo argued that the severity of the offences and their impact on national security warranted the maximum punishment under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act.

Prosecution Cites Deaths, Destruction

The prosecution told the court that Kanu’s broadcasts and directives led to the killing of several security operatives and the destruction of public infrastructure across the South-East.

He described IPOB and the ESN as groups that “took steps to destabilise the country,” insisting that the court must “give justice to victims” by imposing the harshest sentence available.

According to the prosecution:

• Counts 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 carry the death penalty,
• Count 3 attracts 20 years imprisonment,
• Count 7 carries five years imprisonment.

Awomolo further told the court that Kanu had shown no remorse, describing his courtroom demeanour as “marked by arrogance.”

FG Seeks Restrictions, Forfeitures

In addition to the death sentence, the Federal Government asked the court to order:

• Forfeiture of all seized broadcast and communication equipment linked to Kanu
• A restriction denying him access to digital devices or the internet
• His detention in a secure facility other than Kuje Prison, which previously suffered jailbreaks

Lawmakers Plead for Leniency

During proceedings, the court heard a plea for mitigation from Hon. Obinna Aguocha, the House of Representatives member for Ikwuano/Umuahia North & South.
Aguocha urged the court to temper justice with mercy, citing the long duration of the trial and its implications for national cohesion.

Justice Omotosho subsequently stood the matter down until 4:10 p.m. for sentencing.

A Decade-Long Trial

Kanu’s conviction marks a significant turning point in a legal battle that has lasted over 10 years, involving multiple court appearances, extradition controversies, and tense political debate over IPOB’s activities in the South-East