Alleged Terrorism: Why Nnamdi Kanu Risks Death Sentence or Life Imprisonment As Hearing Resumes in Abuja
- The Federal High Court in Abuja will resume the hearing in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra on July 26
- Kanu is facing an 11-count charge of treason, treasonable felony, terrorism, and illegal possession of firearms, among others
- Justice Binta Nyako had ordered the IPOB leader to be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Security ahead of the hearing
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FCT, Abuja - There is a possibility that Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), may face more serious charges punishable by death sentence or life imprisonment when his trial resumes on Monday, July 26.
The federal government in a letter to western diplomats had accused the IPOB leader of carrying out mass killings in the country.
Source: Facebook
According to Premium Times, the government said Kanu orchestrated the killing of 60 persons and the destruction of property in 55 violent attacks across the southeast and south-south zones within four months.
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The letter dated April 26, 2021, alleged that the atrocities were committed by members of IPOB on the alleged instruction of Kanu who was then in exile at the time.
The Terrorism Prevention Act
The consequences of the accusation are that if Kanu is found guilty, he risks spending a lifetime jail sentence or worse the death sentence.
According to The Cable, the Terrorism Prevention Act prescribes either life imprisonment or a death as punishment for being involved in 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.''
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Tight security ahead of Nnamdi Kanu's trial
Meanwhile, emerging reports indicate that security operatives have been deployed to the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja ahead of the arraignment of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the IPOB.
The Nation reported that the court’s management said it was working closely with relevant security agencies to avert likely security breaches during the trial.
The possible large turnout of IPOB followers and other spectators has prompted officials of the DSS and police operatives to man strategic locations in and around the court’s premises.
Source: Legit.ng
