Lead counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Mr Aloy Ejimakor, has threatened legal action over a television comment allegedly calling for the extrajudicial killing of his client.
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In a statement issued on Tuesday, Ejimakor condemned remarks allegedly made by Mr Chigozie Nnabugwu during a programme aired on News Central Television, describing the comments as dangerous and contrary to the law.
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According to the lawyer, Nnabugwu allegedly called on the Federal Government to kill Kanu so that “normalcy would return to the South-East.”
Ejimakor said the remark was reportedly made during a broadcast on July 19 and was later shared through News Central Television’s verified X account, where it attracted widespread public attention.
He described the alleged statement as “reckless, irresponsible and unlawful,” arguing that calling for the killing of a citizen whose case is still before a court amounts to a direct attack on the rule of law and the principles of due process.
The lawyer warned that such comments could endanger Kanu’s safety, encourage violence and threaten public peace.
He further argued that the alleged statement could amount to an offence under Section 24(1) of the Cybercrimes Act, which criminalises electronic communications capable of threatening lives or causing a breakdown of law and order.
Ejimakor noted that anyone found guilty under the law could face penalties, including a fine, imprisonment or both. He added that the alleged remark could also attract liability under other laws relating to incitement and similar offences.
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He also criticised News Central Television for airing the comment, stating that media organisations have a duty to prevent the broadcast of content capable of encouraging violence or unlawful acts.
According to him, broadcasters that allow statements regarded as hate speech or calls for violence could face regulatory scrutiny for possible violations of broadcasting standards.
Ejimakor also argued that publicly calling for the killing of an individual while court proceedings are still ongoing could be interpreted as an attempt to interfere with the administration of justice.
He disclosed that Kanu’s legal team is reviewing all available legal options, including filing petitions with the relevant regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies.
The lawyer demanded an immediate retraction from the individual who made the alleged comment and a public apology from the television station. He warned that legal proceedings could follow if those demands are ignored.
Kanu, the leader of IPOB, is currently standing trial on terrorism-related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The case has continued to attract both national and international attention, with his legal team maintaining that his constitutional rights and the principles of due process must be respected.
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