Lead counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Aloy Ejimakor, has condemned an alleged public call for the extrajudicial killing of his client, Nnamdi Kanu, describing the remark as "reckless, irresponsible and unlawful."
Ejimakor made the remarks in a statement issued on Tuesday, where he also threatened legal action over comments allegedly made by entrepreneur Chigozie Nnabugwu during a programme aired on News Central Television.
According to Ejimakor, Nnabugwu allegedly urged the Federal Government to kill Kanu, claiming it would restore normalcy to Nigeria's South-East region.
The lawyer argued that advocating the killing of a citizen whose case is before a court amounts to a serious attack on the rule of law and due process.
He warned that such comments could endanger Kanu's life, incite violence, and threaten public peace.
Ejimakor maintained that the alleged statement could amount to an offence under Section 24(1) of the Cybercrimes Act, which criminalises the transmission of certain unlawful electronic communications.
He added that the remark could also attract liability under other Nigerian laws relating to incitement and related offences, noting that the penalties may include a fine, imprisonment, or both upon conviction.
The senior lawyer also criticised News Central Television for broadcasting the alleged 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 disclosed that Kanu's legal team is reviewing available legal options, including filing petitions with relevant regulatory and law enforcement agencies.
He demanded an immediate retraction from the individual who allegedly made the statement as well as a public apology from the television station, warning that legal proceedings could follow if the demands are not met.
Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB, remains in detention while his legal proceedings continue before the courts.