The Federal Government has asked the court to sentence the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to death following his conviction on Thursday.
Kanu was found guilty on all seven terrorism-related charges, prompting the government’s lead counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), to immediately request the maximum punishment.
Awomolo told the court that Kanu’s alleged inflammatory broadcasts and directives led to the deaths of several security personnel and the destruction of public property. He argued that both IPOB and the Eastern Security Network (ESN), which he described as the group’s armed wing, acted to destabilise the nation.
According to him, the gravity of the offences leaves the court with only one option:
“My lord should consider the nature and severity of the acts of terrorism committed against innocent Nigerians living in the South-East.”
The prosecution further highlighted that counts 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 carry the death penalty, count 3 attracts 20 years imprisonment, and count 7 carries a five-year jail term.
Awomolo also claimed that Kanu showed no remorse throughout the trial, alleging that his courtroom conduct reflected “arrogance” rather than repentance.
The Federal Government also urged the court to: Order the forfeiture of all seized broadcast equipment used for IPOB-related activities, Restrict Kanu from accessing digital devices or internet services while serving his sentence and Ensure he is not kept at Kuje Prison, citing previous jailbreaks there and concerns about his safety.
Before the court recessed to prepare for sentencing at 4:10 pm, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North & South, Hon. Obinna Aguocha, appealed for leniency, asking the court to temper justice with mercy.
The ruling brings to a close a legal battle that has stretched for over 10 years, one of the longest-running high-profile cases in recent Nigerian judicial history.
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