Tinubu Govt Drops D**th Penalty Appeal Against Nnamdi Kanu

The Federal Government has withdrawn its cross-appeal seeking the mandatory death penalty against the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Kanu’s Special Counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, disclosed this in a social media post, stating that he had received formal communication from the government confirming its decision to discontinue the appeal.

According to Ireporter Online, Ejimakor said the government had informed relevant parties that it would no longer pursue its cross-appeal concerning the mandatory imposition of the death penalty on the pro-Biafra activist.

The lawyer explained that representations had previously been made challenging the mandatory application of capital punishment, particularly on the grounds that it could conflict with international law.

Ejimakor wrote, “UPDATE: By virtue of a formal communication I received 2 days ago, I can confirm that the Nigerian government ‘does not intend to pursue their cross appeal on the question of the mandatory death penalty’ against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Case closed.”

The development follows the prosecution’s request in November 2025 for Kanu to be sentenced to death under provisions of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act.

However, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja rejected the request and instead sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment.

The judge cited international developments and the growing global movement away from capital punishment in reaching the decision.

The Federal Government’s withdrawal of the cross-appeal means that its previous push for the mandatory death penalty against Kanu will no longer be pursued through that appeal.