Kanu’s lawyer threatens law suit over TV comment
By Steve Oko
UMUAHIA — Lead counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Mr Aloy Ejimakor, has threatened legal action over an alleged public call for the extrajudicial killing of his client.
Ejimakor, in a statement yesterday, condemned what he described as a dangerous and unlawful remark allegedly made by Mr Chigozie Nnabugwu during a programme aired on News Central Television.
According to the lawyer, Nnabugwu allegedly urged the Federal Government to kill Kanu so that “normalcy would return to the South-East.”
He said the comment, which was reportedly aired on July 19 and later posted on News Central Television’s verified X handle, had since attracted widespread attention.
Describing the statement as “reckless, irresponsible and unlawful,” Ejimakor argued that publicly advocating the killing of a citizen whose case is pending before a court of competent jurisdiction amounts to an attack on the rule of law and due process.
He said the remark could endanger Kanu’s life, incite violence and undermine public peace.
According to him, the alleged statement may amount to an offence under Section 24(1) of the Cybercrimes Act, which criminalises the transmission of electronic messages capable of threatening life or causing a breakdown of law and order.
Ejimakor noted that the offence carries penalties, including a fine, imprisonment or both upon conviction.
He further argued that the alleged comment could also attract liability under other laws relating to incitement and related offences.
The lawyer also faulted News Central Television for airing the remark, stressing that media organisations have a responsibility to prevent the dissemination of content capable of promoting violence or encouraging unlawful acts.
According to him, broadcasters that provide platforms for statements perceived as hate speech or calls for violence could face regulatory scrutiny for possible breaches of broadcasting standards.
Ejimakor further contended that advocating the killing of an individual while judicial proceedings are ongoing could be seen as an attempt to interfere with the administration of justice.
He disclosed that Kanu’s legal team was reviewing available legal options, including petitions to relevant regulatory and law enforcement agencies.
The lawyer demanded an immediate retraction from the individual involved and a public apology from the television station, warning that legal proceedings could follow if the demands are not met.
Kanu, leader of IPOB, is currently facing terrorism-related charges before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
His trial has continued to attract national and international attention, with his legal team maintaining that his constitutional rights and due process must be respected.
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