Kanu death penalty bid could affect Nigeria-UK relations — Lawyer

By Steve Oko

ABUJA — Lead counsel to detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has warned that any attempt to seek the death penalty against his client could have international implications, particularly for Nigeria’s relations with the United Kingdom.

In a statement, Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, said the Federal Government’s reported cross-appeal seeking a harsher sentence raises legal and diplomatic concerns because Kanu holds both Nigerian and British citizenship.

According to Ejimakor, the United Kingdom maintains a longstanding opposition to capital punishment and typically provides consular and diplomatic support to its citizens facing the death penalty abroad.

He argued that any move to pursue capital punishment could attract international attention and potentially affect diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and countries that oppose the death penalty.

The lawyer said the case has implications beyond domestic legal proceedings and urged caution in handling issues that could generate international concern.

He maintained that Kanu’s status as a dual citizen adds an international dimension to the matter and could lead to increased diplomatic interest in the case.

Kanu is currently serving a life sentence imposed by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, after being convicted on terrorism-related charges in November 2025. The Federal Government has not publicly responded to Ejimakor’s comments.

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