Lead Counsel, Barr. Aloy Ejimakor and IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu
Lead counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, Aloy Ejimakor, has raised concerns over reports that the Federal Government is seeking a harsher punishment against his client through a cross-appeal.
Ejimakor stated that any move aimed at securing the death penalty for Kanu could trigger international legal and diplomatic consequences, especially given Kanu's status as a citizen of both Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
According to the lawyer, the British government has consistently opposed capital punishment and has a record of providing diplomatic and consular assistance to its citizens facing execution in foreign countries.
He warned that pursuing such a sentence could attract significant global attention and potentially influence Nigeria's diplomatic relations with nations that strongly oppose the death penalty.
The legal practitioner further noted that the matter extends beyond Nigeria's domestic judicial process, urging authorities to carefully consider the broader international implications of the case.
Ejimakor maintained that Kanu's dual citizenship places the matter within the scope of international interest and could prompt greater diplomatic engagement from foreign governments and international stakeholders.
Nnamdi Kanu is currently serving a life sentence handed down by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja after his conviction on terrorism-related charges in November 2025.
As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Government had not issued an official response to the concerns raised by Kanu's lead counsel.
