The Federal High Court in Abuja has found the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, guilty on a seven-count charge of terrorism filed against him by the Federal Government.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling on Thursday, declaring Kanu guilty on all allegations, including engaging in terrorist activities, membership and leadership of a banned organisation, issuing threats, killing security personnel, destroying property, concealment, and importing an unregistered radio transmitter.

Following the conviction, the Federal Government’s lead counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, urged the court to impose the maximum penalty permitted under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013.

Awomolo reminded the court that the law stipulates the death sentence for several of the offences for which Kanu was convicted.

He said, “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,” Awomolo submitted.

“With all sense of humility, I say, sir, as a prosecutor, that this court has no discretion, in that regard, and that the only sentence that your lawsuit will impose for counts one, two, four, five, and six is a death sentence.

“Because this court has the power to do so, and with respect must do so. The language of the act is clear, and the court is also applying it strictly without deviation.”

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Thursday, convicted the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, on a seven-count terrorism charge brought against him by the Federal Government.

Justice James Omotosho, while delivering judgment in the case, found him guilty on all counts, which include engaging in acts of terrorism, belonging to and leading a proscribed group, threatening and killing security operatives, burning properties, concealment, and importing an unregistered radio transmitter.