The legal team representing detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has strongly condemned a televised remark allegedly calling on the Federal Government to execute their client, describing the statement as dangerous, unlawful and capable of inflaming tensions across the country.
The controversy stems from comments made by Mr. Chigozie Nnabugwu during a television programme aired by News Central Television. In the widely circulated clip, which was later shared on the station’s verified X (formerly Twitter) account on July 19, 2026, Nnabugwu reportedly urged the Federal Government to kill Kanu, arguing that such a move would restore peace and normalcy in Nigeria’s Southeast region.
The statement has since drawn sharp criticism from Kanu’s legal team, with lead counsel Aloy Ejimakor warning that the call amounts to a direct threat to life and undermines the rule of law.
In a strongly worded reaction, Ejimakor described the comments as reckless, irresponsible and a blatant endorsement of extrajudicial killing, stressing that no individual should be subjected to violence while legal proceedings remain before a competent court.
According to him, the statement potentially violates provisions of Section 24(1) of the Cybercrimes Act, which criminalises the intentional transmission of messages through electronic platforms that threaten lives or are capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.
He noted that the law prescribes penalties that include fines of up to ₦7 million, imprisonment of up to three years, or both, for offenders found guilty of such conduct.
Beyond the Cybercrimes Act, Ejimakor argued that the remarks could also attract additional legal consequences under the Criminal Code, particularly provisions relating to incitement to violence and related offences.
The senior lawyer further raised concerns over the role played by the broadcaster, warning that media organisations have a responsibility to ensure that content aired on their platforms does not encourage violence or threaten public peace.
He said News Central Television could face scrutiny for allegedly providing a platform for statements that may be interpreted as incitement, adding that broadcasters are expected to comply with regulatory standards designed to prevent hate speech and preserve public order.
“By airing and amplifying such inflammatory comments without due regard for their potential consequences, the broadcaster may expose itself to regulatory sanctions and other legal liabilities,” Ejimakor stated.
He also argued that publicly demanding the execution of a defendant whose case remains before the courts could be viewed as an attempt to interfere with the judicial process and may amount to contempt of court.
The legal team disclosed that it is currently reviewing all available legal options and considering formal complaints to relevant authorities over the matter.
As part of its demands, the team called on Nnabugwu to immediately retract the statement publicly, while urging News Central Television to issue an unreserved televised apology for broadcasting the remarks.
Ejimakor warned that failure to take corrective action could trigger legal proceedings against both the television guest and the media organisation.
He said the statement issued by Kanu’s lawyers should be regarded as a formal pre-action notice, signalling the possibility of further legal steps if the parties involved do not take immediate remedial measures.
The latest development adds another layer of controversy to the long-running legal battle involving Kanu, whose case continues to attract intense public attention and generate heated debate across Nigeria.
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!