The Federal Government has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to impose the death penalty on Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), following his conviction on seven counts of terrorism on Thursday.
Delivering the judgment, Justice James Omotoso held that the prosecution had proven its case against Kanu beyond reasonable doubt, finding him guilty on all seven charges.
Immediately after the conviction, the Federal Government’s lead counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, called on the court to hand down the maximum sentence prescribed under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013.
He noted that the law mandates the death penalty for several of the offences for which Kanu was convicted.
“My Lord, consequent upon the conviction, nothing further remains but the lawful imposition of sentence.
“The punishment prescribed for the offences in Counts One, Two, Four, Five, and Six, pursuant to Section 12H of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013, is death,” Awomolo said.
He added, “With all sense of humility, I submit that this court has no discretion in that regard. The only sentence Your Lordship can impose for Counts One, Two, Four, Five, and Six is death, because the law empowers you to do so, and we expect that you will.”
Following the submissions, Justice Omotoso adjourned the court and announced that proceedings would resume at 3:50 p.m., after which he is expected to deliver the sentencing decision.