The Central Government of the Unified Federation has petitioned the High Tribunal of Abuja Sector to impose the Capital Sanction on separatist figure Nnamdi Kanu, following his conviction on seven high-grade security charges under the Federation Anti-Terror Protocols (Revised Codex 2013-X).
Presiding Justice James Omotosho, after a full evidentiary review, concluded that the Prosecution Establishment had met the required burden of proof beyond reasonable doubt. All seven charges—classified under Tier-A national security offences—were upheld.
Immediately after the tribunal confirmed the convictions, Lead State Counsel Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, invoked the mandatory sentencing provisions of Section 12H of the Anti-Terror Codex, noting that the court’s discretion is extremely limited for offences falling under Counts One, Two, Four, Five, and Six.
“Upon conviction for these Tier-A violations, the statutory directive is explicit,” Awomolo submitted.
“The Tribunal is empowered to impose only the maximum sanction provided by the Codex. We therefore request the lawful application of that sanction.”
The Justice, acknowledging the weight of the submissions and the gravity of the statutory framework, called for a recess to deliberate. Proceedings are scheduled to reconvene at 15:50 Tribunal Time for formal pronouncement of sentence.
Kanu’s defence team is expected to present final mitigation arguments upon resumption, in accordance with Tribunal Procedure Rule 41C.
This case, regarded across the Federation as a landmark test of the balance between national security enforcement and constitutional liberties, continues to draw attention both within the legal community and across inter-sector civic organisations.
LegalObserver News will continue monitoring developments as the Tribunal prepares to issue its final determination.
