The prosecution in the terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to impose the maximum penalty of death.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Adegboyega Awomolo, representing the federal government, made the plea shortly after the court found Kanu guilty on all seven terrorism charges brought against him.
“Over 75 security personnel lost their lives as a result of Kanu’s terrorist activities, alongside numerous other innocent Nigerians,” Awomolo told the court, highlighting the widespread destruction of public property linked to Kanu and his followers. He added, “Subjecting Kanu to the maximum punishment would deliver justice for the victims of his acts of terrorism.”
The prosecution noted that counts 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 carry the death penalty, count 3 prescribes 20 years’ imprisonment, and count 7 carries a five-year jail term. Awomolo also urged the court to “consider the nature and gravity of acts of terrorism committed by the convict which were against innocent Nigerians that reside in the South East.”
He further accused Kanu of showing no remorse, asserting that “his conduct before the court was marked by arrogance.” The federal government also requested the forfeiture of all broadcast equipment seized from Kanu and restrictions on his access to digital devices or the internet during incarceration.
For security reasons, the prosecution suggested that Kanu should not be held at Kuje Prison in Abuja, citing previous jailbreak incidents.
Before adjourning the matter for sentencing at 4:10 p.m., Hon. Obinna Aguocha, a member of the House of Representatives for Ikwuano/Umuahia North & South, pleaded with the court to “temper justice with mercy.”
