The Federal Government has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to impose the death sentence on Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), following his conviction on seven terrorism charges on Thursday.
Justice James Omotosho had earlier ruled that the prosecution proved all counts against Kanu beyond reasonable doubt, finding him guilty on each of the seven charges.
Moments after the conviction was delivered, the Federal Government’s lead counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, urged the court to apply the maximum penalty allowed under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013.
Awomolo reminded the court that several of the offences for which Kanu was convicted carry a mandatory death sentence.
“My Lord, following this conviction, what remains is the lawful imposition of sentence,” he submitted. “The punishment prescribed for Counts One, Two, Four, Five and Six, under Section 12H of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013, is death. With respect, the court has no discretion here. The law empowers—indeed compels—you to impose the death penalty.”
Justice Omotosho then called for a recess, announcing that proceedings would resume at 3:50 p.m.
The judge is expected to deliver his sentencing decision after reviewing the submissions from both the prosecution and the defence.
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