The legal team representing the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has threatened legal action against News Central Television and entrepreneur Chigozie Nnabugwu over comments urging the Nigerian government to kill the separatist leader.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Kanu’s Special Counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, condemned the remarks made by Nnabugwu during an appearance on News Central TV’s Breakfast Xtra programme, describing them as unlawful, reckless and capable of endangering Kanu’s life.
According to the legal team, the comments undermine the ongoing judicial process and could incite violence and public disorder.
During the television programme, Nnabugwu reportedly claimed that insecurity in the South-East had reduced following the arrests of key separatist figures and argued that killing Kanu would restore peace in the region.
Reacting, Kanu’s lawyers said the statement amounted to a public call for extrajudicial killing and could constitute a criminal offence under Section 24(1) of the Cybercrimes Act, which prohibits electronic communications that threaten lives or are capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.
They noted that the offence carries penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to N7 million, or both, adding that further criminal liabilities could arise under the Criminal Code for alleged incitement to violence.
The legal team also criticised News Central Television for airing the remarks, arguing that broadcasters have a responsibility to prevent the dissemination of content capable of inciting violence or undermining public order.
According to the lawyers, broadcasting such statements could expose the station to regulatory sanctions for alleged violations of broadcasting codes.
They further argued that calls for Kanu’s execution while his trial is still before the court could amount to interference with judicial proceedings and may constitute contempt of court.
The legal team disclosed that it is reviewing its legal options, including filing complaints before the appropriate authorities.
It demanded that Nnabugwu publicly retract his statement and that News Central Television issue an unreserved televised apology for broadcasting the remarks.
The lawyers warned that the statement should be treated as a pre-action notice, indicating that legal proceedings may follow if both parties fail to comply with their demands.
