Lead counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has cautioned that any move to pursue the death penalty against his client could have international diplomatic consequences, particularly for Nigeria’s relations with the United Kingdom.
In a statement, Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, said the reported cross-appeal by the Federal Government seeking a harsher sentence raises both legal and diplomatic concerns, noting that Kanu holds dual Nigerian and British citizenship.
He argued that the United Kingdom has a long-standing opposition to capital punishment and typically offers consular and diplomatic support to its citizens facing such penalties abroad.
According to him, any attempt to pursue a death sentence could draw international scrutiny and potentially affect diplomatic relations between Nigeria and countries that oppose capital punishment.
Ejimakor further stated that the matter goes beyond domestic legal proceedings, urging caution in handling issues that could escalate into broader international concern.
He maintained that Kanu’s dual citizenship introduces an added international dimension to the case, which could attract increased diplomatic attention if the legal process advances toward capital punishment.
Kanu is currently serving a life sentence handed down by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, following his conviction on terrorism-related charges in November 2025. The Federal Government of Nigeria has not publicly responded to Ejimakor’s remarks.
