Lawyer warns that pursuit of capital punishment for Kanu may strain ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom

Aloy Ejimakor, the lead counsel for detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, has cautioned that pursuing the death penalty against his client could have far-reaching international repercussions, particularly for Nigeria's relationship with the United Kingdom.

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According to Ejimakor, the Federal Government's cross-appeal seeking a more severe sentence for Kanu raises significant legal and diplomatic concerns due to Kanu's dual citizenship of Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

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The United Kingdom is known for its strong opposition to capital punishment and typically offers consular and diplomatic support to its citizens who face the death penalty in foreign countries, Ejimakor noted.

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He argued that any attempt to seek capital punishment could draw international attention and potentially impact diplomatic relations between Nigeria and countries that oppose the death penalty.

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Ejimakor emphasized that the case has implications that extend beyond domestic legal proceedings, and he urged caution when dealing with issues that could spark international concern.

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Kanu's status as a dual citizen of Nigeria and the United Kingdom adds an international dimension to the case, which could lead to increased diplomatic interest, according to Ejimakor.

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Nnamdi Kanu is currently serving a life sentence imposed by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, after being convicted of terrorism-related charges in November 2025.

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The Federal Government has not publicly responded to Ejimakor's comments, which highlighted the potential international implications of pursuing the death penalty against Kanu.