The Federal High Court in Abuja will deliver its sentence at 4 p.m. today in the case of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, after convicting him on all seven counts.
During Thursday’s proceedings, lead prosecutor Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) urged the court to impose the maximum penalty — death — arguing that Kanu showed no remorse for the “innocent lives” allegedly lost due to actions linked to him and his organisation. He said Kanu had displayed no penitence or regret and described his conduct as “arrogant.”
Awomolo told the court that more than 75 security operatives were killed in attacks attributed to Kanu and members of IPOB, alongside other civilians. He argued that the harshest sentence would serve justice for the victims and the destruction recorded during the group’s alleged operations.
With Kanu absent from the courtroom, the judge allowed an allocutus plea from a supporter. Obi Aguocha, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ikwuano–Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency, appealed for leniency. Aguocha noted that Kanu, aged 57, had been separated from his family for years and urged the court to “temper justice with mercy.”
Justice James Omotosho then stood the matter down and directed all parties to return by 3:45 p.m. for the sentencing.
Details to follow.
