Following the conviction of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on all seven counts of terrorism, the Federal Government on Thursday applied for the death penalty to be imposed on him.
FG’s lead counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, made the application shortly after the Federal High Court found Kanu guilty on charges including acts of terrorism, incitement to kill security operatives, and destruction of public infrastructure.
Awomolo argued that Kanu’s incitement through IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), contributed to the deaths of several security personnel and efforts to destabilize the country. He maintained that the maximum sentence was necessary to deliver justice to the victims of Kanu’s acts.
He noted that while counts 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 prescribed the death penalty, count 3 carries a 20-year imprisonment, and count 7 carries a five-year jail term. “My lord should consider the nature and gravity of acts of terrorism committed by the convict against innocent Nigerians residing in the South-East,” Awomolo urged the court.
The prosecution also accused Kanu of showing no remorse for his actions and described his conduct in court as arrogant. FG further requested the forfeiture of all broadcast equipment seized from Kanu and urged restrictions on his access to digital devices and the internet during his sentence. Awomolo additionally recommended that Kanu not be kept at Kuje Prison in Abuja, citing previous security breaches at the facility.
Before adjourning for sentencing at 4:10 pm, the court heard a plea from Hon. Obinna Aguocha, member of the House of Representatives for Ikwuano/Umuahia North & South, who asked the court to temper justice with mercy.
“I am the direct representative of Nnamdi Kanu. He is my brother and friend. It is my responsibility and obligation as a member of the national assembly to represent him. My Lord, I plead for mercy. I plead for clemency. I pray for peace, not just for the south-east, but for all of Nigeria.” — Obi Aguocha, house of reps member representing Umuahia north/Umuahia south.
The judgment marked the end of Kanu’s trial, which spanned over ten years, bringing closure to one of Nigeria’s most high-profile terrorism cases.
