..court to sentence IPOB leader at 4pm
The Federal Government applied for the death penalty, arguing that Kanu’s broadcasts and directives triggered violent attacks across the South-East.
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment.
The Court had earlier convicted Kanu on all seven counts of terrorism brought against him by the Federal Government, bringing to a close a trial that spanned more than 10 years.
Shortly after Justice James Omotosho delivered the guilty verdict, the Federal Government, represented by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), applied for the death penalty, arguing that Kanu’s broadcasts and directives triggered violent attacks across the South-East.
Awomolo told the court that Kanu’s alleged incitement resulted in the killing of security operatives and the destruction of public facilities. He linked IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), to what he described as coordinated acts aimed at destabilising the country.
He urged the court to impose the maximum punishment, insisting it was the only way to deliver justice to the victims.
He informed the court that counts 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 of the charge carry the death sentence, count 3 attracts 20 years imprisonment, while count 7 carries a five-year term.
“My lord should 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 said, adding that Kanu had shown no remorse and had conducted himself “with arrogance” throughout the proceedings.
The Federal Government also asked the court to order the forfeiture of all broadcast equipment seized from Kanu and to bar him from having access to digital devices or the internet while serving his sentence. It further urged the judge not to send him to Kuje Prison, citing past jailbreaks at the facility.
Before the court temporarily stood down the matter until 4:10pm for sentencing, it heard a plea for leniency from Hon. Obinna Aguocha, the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency. Aguocha begged the court to temper justice with mercy in view of the long, contentious history surrounding the case.
After reconvening at 4pm, Justice Omotosho, citing the Biblical call for mercy, pronounced the sentence of life imprisonment on the convict, marking the final stage in one of Nigeria’s most closely watched terrorism trials.
He also handed down 20 and 5 years jail terms to Kanu for counts 3 and 7. All sentences to run concurrently.