The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on a seven-count charge of terrorism brought against him by the Federal Government.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Thursday, finding Kanu guilty on all counts, including engaging in acts of terrorism, belonging to and leading a proscribed organisation, threatening and killing security operatives, burning properties, concealment, and importing an unregistered radio transmitter.
Immediately after the conviction, the Federal Government’s lead counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, urged the court to hand down the maximum sentence allowed under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013.
Awomolo reminded the court that the law prescribes the death penalty for several of the offences Kanu was found guilty of.
He said, “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 submitted.
“With all sense of humility, I say, sir, as a prosecutor, that this court has no discretion, in that regard, and that the only sentence that your lawsuit will impose for counts one, two, four, five, and six is a death sentence.
“Because this court has the power to do so, and with respect must do so. The language of the act is clear, and the court is also applying it strictly without deviation.”
Afterwards, the judge announced a recess, stating that the court would reconvene at 3:50 p.m.
Justice Omotoso is expected to announce the sentencing decision after considering the submissions of both parties.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Thursday, convicted the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, on a seven-count terrorism charge brought against him by the Federal Government.
Justice James Omotosho, while delivering judgment in the case, found him guilty on all counts, which include engaging in acts of terrorism, belonging to and leading a proscribed group, threatening and killing security operatives, burning properties, concealment, and importing an unregistered radio transmitter.
