ABUJA — The Federal Government has reportedly withdrawn its cross-appeal seeking the imposition of a mandatory death penalty on the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

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Kanu’s Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, disclosed the development in a social media post, saying he had received formal communication from the Federal Government confirming that it would no longer pursue the cross-appeal on the mandatory death penalty. According to the lawyer, representations had previously been made concerning the mandatory application of capital punishment and its alleged 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.”

Federal Government Had Sought Death Sentence

The development follows an earlier attempt by the prosecution to secure a death sentence against Kanu under the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act.

In November 2025, the prosecution reportedly asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to impose the death penalty on the IPOB leader. However, Justice James Omotosho rejected the request and sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment instead.

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

What the Withdrawal Means

The withdrawal of the cross-appeal means that, based on Ejimakor’s disclosure, the Federal Government will no longer challenge the relevant aspect of the judgment specifically concerning the mandatory death penalty.

However, the development should not automatically be interpreted as the end of all legal proceedings or appeals involving Kanu. The exact scope of the government’s withdrawal will depend on the formal court processes and the issues remaining before the appellate courts.

Kanu remains in custody following his conviction and life sentence, while his legal team continues to pursue his available legal remedies.