UPDATED: Prosecution Demands Death Sentence For Kanu, Celebrates Conviction

…’Keep Him In Safest Custodial Center’

The Federal Government on Thursday celebrated the conviction of Nnamdi Kanu on all-count charges, by declaring “Justice has finally been served”.

Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, who prosecuted the case on behalf of the Federal Government demanded extreme punishment for Nnamdi Kanu, which he said is death.

He blamed Kanu for not exhibiting “penitence ” and “remorse” during the court processes.

Awomolo addressed Justice James Omotosho shortly after the court convicted the IPOB leader under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, insisting that the gravity of the offenses leaves the court with only one lawful option – the death penalty.

“Honorable court delivered his judgment in which the convict, Nnamdi Kanu was found guilty and convicted of offenses under terrorism prevention and Prohibition Act. He has accordingly been convicted, and is now to be sentenced. My Lord, the prosecution has a duty to invite the Lord’s attention to a few points that will guide the lordship in the sentencing.”

He said the judgment had reaffirmed the judiciary’s role in safeguarding Nigeria whenever the nation faces existential danger.

“A lot by the judgment just delivered, this Court has again affirmed the long standing principle that whenever Nigeria as a nation is confronted with moments, actions and events that cause grave danger to its existence, independence and unity, the judiciary stands firm… terrorism, my lord, remains one of the greatest threats to humanity.”

Awomolo accused Kanu of using Radio Biafra and IPOB’s digital networks to incite violence and destabilize the country.

“As a leader of the proscribing digital people of Biafra, the convict, through his broadcast on radio, Biafra and through the group Eastern wing, the systemic network, repeatedly assaulted Nigeria and took active steps to destabilize the country.”

He argued that the conviction represents long-awaited justice for thousands of victims of the violence allegedly linked to IPOB and ESN activities.

“It is clear that justice has been served to the 1000s of innocent Nigerians who lost their lives as a result of the inciting broadcast and violent activities of the Eastern Security Network. Their blood… have cried to heaven and God, in His mercy, has given them justice. Justice has honoured their cry.”

He added that families of “more than 275 security officers who were murdered in the service of their Fatherland will now find some comfort in this conviction,” insisting that the economic hardship caused by sit-at-home orders in the South-East also flowed from Kanu’s directives.

“Citizens… were forced to live in fear, had their businesses destroyed and were reduced to paupers… justice has today set them free from oppression and economic strangulation caused by the terrorist activities of the convict.”

Insisting that the law leaves no room for judicial discretion, the prosecutor said:

“For counts 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6, the punishment is the death penalty… the only sentence that your lordship will impose… is death sentence, because this Court has the power to do so, and with respect, must do so.”

For the charge relating to IPOB membership, he urged the court to impose the mandatory 20 years imprisonment, and five years without option of fine for another count under the Customs and Excise laws.

Awomolo told the court that Kanu displayed arrogance during proceedings and failed to show any remorse.

“He has demonstrated no respect for the administration of justice. His conduct, even within the court, has been marked by arrogance.”

He also referenced Kanu’s remark to him after the judgment.

“When he was going out, he looked at me and said, God will bless me. He won’t say God will punish me… and I said Amen, because I’m a blessed man. It is not him, a convict, who can now put a curse on me.”

Awomolo also asked the court to impose sweeping restrictions on Kanu’s access to digital devices and online platforms, arguing that his broadcasts contributed significantly to violence in the South-East.

“The conduct of the defendant through online publications, live broadcast and social media communications… resulted in a coordinated transnational militarism… destruction of public property. The court has both the power and the duty to restrict further access to digital media.”

He prayed the court to order the forfeiture of all broadcasting equipment, transmitters and digital devices seized by the DSS.

“In particular, the radio transmitter unlawfully imported into the country should be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria,” he said.

Awomolo also urged the court to direct that Kanu be held in the safest possible custodial facility to prevent jailbreak attempts or potential attacks by “friends or enemies.”

“We are asking Your Lordship to direct that for the safety of the convict… he be kept in the safest custodial center anywhere in Nigeria… I’m not too sure that where there have been jailbreaks will be the ideal place. Preserve his life until he answers his sentence.”

The prosecutor pleaded for an end to terrorism across Nigeria. “I pray that the incidents of terrorism will cease from Nigeria, from north to east to northwest to North Central. And may God spare Nigeria of disintegration.”