The Nigerian prosecution team in the high-profile case against Nnamdi Kanu has made a dramatic move by asking the court to impose the death penalty on the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader.
Courtroom Drama Unfolds
During the Thursday, November 20 court proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, lead prosecutor Adegboyega Awomolo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), formally requested that Justice B.F.M. Nyako sentence Kanu to death. The development comes after the court found Kanu guilty on counts 1 through 6 of the charges against him.
Adegboyega Awomolo argued vehemently that capital punishment represents the only appropriate sentence given the gravity of the convictions. The seasoned lawyer explicitly told the court that this is "the only sentence that the lordship will enforce" regarding the matter.
Background of the Case
Nnamdi Kanu, the controversial leader of the proscribed IPOB organization, has been detained and facing trial for several years on charges related to his separatist activities. The Nigerian government had previously banned IPOB, designating it as a terrorist organization, though the group maintains it pursues its objectives through peaceful means.
The case has drawn significant national and international attention, with human rights organizations closely monitoring the proceedings. The prosecution's push for the death penalty marks a significant escalation in the legal battle that has stretched over multiple years with numerous twists and turns.
Public Reaction and Trending Video
Following the dramatic court development, a video from the proceedings began trending across social media platforms, sparking renewed debate about the case. The footage shows the tense atmosphere in the Abuja courtroom as the prosecution made their final arguments.
Public response has been sharply divided, with some supporting the government's hardline stance while others express concern about the implications of a death sentence. The timing of this development, coming in late November 2025, ensures the case will remain at the forefront of national discourse in the coming weeks.
Legal experts anticipate that the defense team will vigorously contest the prosecution's request during subsequent court appearances. The judge has not yet indicated when a final ruling on sentencing might be delivered.
