Nnamdi Kanu Risks Two Possible Judgments, What May Likely Happen To IPOB Leader

Various considerations must be taken into account regarding the ongoing legal proceedings of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who is currently facing terrorism charges in the Federal High Court in Abuja.

On Monday, Kanu stated that he would not present a defense in his terrorism trial, asserting that the charges brought against him lack validity.

The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) told the judge, James Omotosho, that he had reviewed the case of the prosecution and found it was not worth defending.

Kanu, who is being tried for his violence-inciting campaigns for the independence of Nigeria’s South-east and parts of neighbouring states as Biafra, said there was no valid charge against him in the first place, rendering his defence unnecessary.

Considering that Kanu was not represented by a lawyer, the judge advised him to consult with legal experts. Although the prosecution insisted that the IPOB leader already made his choice not to enter a defence, the judge postponed proceedings till 4 November to enable the IPOB leader to take his final decision.

CONSEQUENCES

If Kanu is found guilty, he risks spending a lifetime jail sentence or worse of, death!

For the offence of terrorism, Section 4 of the Terrorism Prevention Act states that: (1) A person who knowingly, in any manner, solicits or renders support for (a) an act of terrorism; or (b) a proscribed organisation or an internationally suspected terrorist group. an offence under this Act and shall on conviction be liable to imprisonment for a maximum term of 20 years.

(2) without prejudice to subsection (2) of this section, where death results from any terrorist act the penalty shall be death sentence.

For the offence of treason/treasonable felony, Section 37 and Section 41 of the Criminal Code Act prescribes either life imprisonment or a death sentence.