Irresponsible!’—Ejimakor Threatens Legal Action Over Calls For Nnamdi Kanu’s Extrajudicial Killing

Lead counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, Aloy Ejimakor, has condemned what he described as a public call for his client’s extrajudicial killing, branding the alleged remarks as “reckless, irresponsible and unlawful.”....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Ejimakor criticized comments allegedly made by entrepreneur Chigozie Nnabugwu during a programme on News Central Television and warned that legal action could be taken over the incident.

According to the lawyer, Nnabugwu allegedly urged the Federal Government to kill Kanu, claiming such an action would restore normalcy in the South-East.

Ejimakor argued that advocating the killing of a citizen whose matter is before a court of competent jurisdiction undermines the rule of law and due process. He further contended that such statements could endanger Kanu’s life, incite violence and threaten public peace.

He maintained that the alleged remarks could amount to an offence under Section 24(1) of the Cybercrimes Act, which criminalises the transmission of certain unlawful electronic communications, and could also attract liability under other laws relating to incitement and related offences.

According to him, anyone found guilty of such offences could face penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment, or both, depending on the circumstances.

Ejimakor also faulted News Central Television for broadcasting the comments, stressing that media organisations have a duty to prevent the dissemination of content capable of encouraging violence or other unlawful acts.

He added that broadcasters which provide platforms for statements regarded as hate speech or incitement to violence may be subjected to regulatory scrutiny for possible violations of broadcasting standards.

The lawyer disclosed that Kanu’s legal team is reviewing its legal options, including filing petitions with relevant regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies.

He demanded an immediate retraction from the individual who allegedly made the remarks, as well as a public apology from the television station, warning that failure to comply could result in legal proceedings.

Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB, remains in the custody of Nigerian authorities while legal proceedings relating to terrorism-related charges continue.