Nigeria Seeks Death Penalty for Separatist Leader

The Nigerian government has requested the death penalty for Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Federal prosecutors submitted the application on Thursday. This follows Kanu's recent conviction by the court. Kanu leads IPOB, a group that advocates for the independence of southeastern Nigeria. The region, which identifies as Biafra, previously attempted to secede. This led to a civil war from 1967 to 1970. The government has labeled IPOB a terrorist organization. Authorities accuse Kanu and his group of inciting violence and promoting ethnic hatred. The court has not yet announced a date for the sentencing decision.