Federal Government Demands Maximum Punishment for IPOB Leader
The Federal Government of Nigeria has formally requested that the Federal High Court in Abuja sentence Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to death following his conviction on terrorism charges.
This dramatic development occurred on November 20, 2025, after Justice James Omotoso found Kanu guilty on all seven counts of terrorism brought against him by the government.
Prosecution's Argument for Capital Punishment
The government's lead counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, made the forceful submission immediately after the conviction was announced. Awomolo urged the court to impose the maximum penalty available under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013.
In his address to the court, Awomolo stated: "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."
The prosecution counsel emphasized that the court had no discretion in the matter for several of the counts, stating: "With all sense of humility, I say as a prosecutor that this court has no discretion in that regard. The only sentence Your Lordship can impose for Counts One, Two, Four, Five and Six is death, because the law empowers you to do so, and we expect that you will."
Imminent Sentencing Decision
Justice James Omotoso is expected to deliver the sentencing decision later today, with the court scheduled to reconvene at 4:50 PM on November 20, 2025. The judgment will determine whether the court accepts the prosecution's argument for capital punishment or considers alternative sentencing options.
This case represents a significant moment in Nigeria's legal history and the ongoing tensions surrounding separatist movements in the country. The outcome is being closely watched by both supporters of the Nigerian government and those sympathetic to Kanu's cause.
