FG Pushes for Death Penalty After Court Convicts Nnamdi Kanu on Terrorism Charges

The federal government has urged the court to hand down the death penalty to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), following his conviction on seven terrorism charges.

During Thursday’s proceedings, Adegboyega Awomolo, a senior advocate of Nigeria and the government’s lead counsel, told the court that Kanu’s actions—particularly his broadcasts—fuelled attacks in the south-east that resulted in the deaths of security personnel and damage to public facilities. With the guilty verdict delivered on all counts, Awomolo argued that the court was bound by law to impose the maximum punishment.

He cited Section 12H of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013, noting that the offences in five of the counts carry the death sentence and leave no room for judicial discretion. Awomolo maintained that the prosecution fully expects the court to apply the penalty as prescribed.

The court has gone on a brief recess and is expected to return later to pronounce the sentence.