The Federal Government has urged 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.
Delivering the verdict, Justice James Omotosho held that the prosecution had established its case against Kanu beyond a reasonable doubt and found him guilty on all seven counts.
Immediately after the conviction, the Federal Government’s lead counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, asked the court to apply the maximum penalty provided under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013.
Awomolo noted that the law prescribes the death penalty for several of the offences for which Kanu was convicted.
“My Lord, following this conviction, the next step is the lawful imposition of sentence. The offences in Counts One, Two, Four, Five and Six attract the death penalty under Section 12H of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013,” he submitted.
“With humility, I must state as prosecutor that the court has no discretion here. The only lawful sentence for these counts is death, as provided by the Act, and we anticipate Your Lordship will so rule.”
After the submission, Justice Omotosho declared a short recess and announced that proceedings would resume at 3:50 p.m.
The judge is expected to deliver the sentencing decision after reviewing the arguments presented by both sides.
