Harry Archie
A lawyer representing the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has warned that any attempt to seek the death penalty against his client could affect Nigeria’s relationship with the United Kingdom.
The lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, said the Federal Government’s reported move to seek a tougher punishment for Kanu raises both legal and diplomatic concerns because Kanu is a citizen of both Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
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According to Ejimakor, the UK strongly opposes the death penalty and often provides diplomatic and legal support to its citizens who face execution in other countries.
He said that if Nigerian authorities pursue the death penalty against Kanu, the case could attract international attention and create diplomatic concerns between Nigeria and countries that oppose capital punishment.
The lawyer urged caution, saying the matter goes beyond Nigeria’s legal system and could have international consequences.
He added that Kanu’s dual citizenship gives the case an international dimension and could lead to increased interest from foreign governments.
Nnamdi Kanu is currently serving a life sentence after being convicted on terrorism-related charges by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja in November 2025.
The Federal Government has not yet responded publicly to the comments made by Kanu’s lawyer.
