…FG seeks death sentence
The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment after finding him guilty of terrorism charges preferred against him.
James Omotosho, the judge, found Kanu guilty of all counts one to seven, including his sit-at-home order resulting in economic losses and death of innocent people in the South-East, being a member of a proscribed organisation and committing acts of terrorism, and threatening anyone who failed to obey his order.
The court also found him guilty of inciting the killings of Nigerian security personnel, and for making broadcasts to kill people.
Besides, he was found guilty of committing an act of terrorism against the Federal Republic of Nigeria by threatening that people would die and the world would be at a standstill during a live broadcast.
“The court is minded to send the convict to death given the atrocities he has committed,” he said, adding that he had not shown any remorse for his actions.
He quoted some Biblical verses to “show mercy” on the convict, noting that death penalty was being frowned upon globally. He therefore sent Kanu to life sentence on count 1, 4, 5, 6 instead of death sentence.
With respect to count three, he is sentenced to 20 years without an option of fine. The same applies to count seven.
He said the sentences should run concurrently.
Omotosho noted that the tendency of violence had not left the convict, and he should be kept at any correctional facility in the country and must not be allowed to have access to any digital device.
The judge admitted that Kanu is a freedom fighter, who was fighting for the freedom of his people.
Read also: Nnamdi Kanu sacks legal team, opts to defend himself in court
Earlier, the federal government has asked the court to impose the death sentence on Nnamdi Kanu after he was convicted on seven terrorism charges.
With the ruling, Kanu will remain in prison for life following his conviction on all seven terrorism counts.
