The legal team representing the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has threatened to institute legal proceedings against News Central Television and one of its guests, Chigozie Nnabugwu, over comments allegedly calling for Kanu’s extrajudicial killing.
TheNewsGuru (TNG) understands that the warning was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by Kanu’s Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor.
According to the legal team, the controversial remarks were made by Nnabugwu during a programme aired on News Central TV, where he urged the Federal Government to kill Kanu, claiming it would restore normalcy to the South-East.
The lawyers said a video clip of the programme was later published on the verified X handle of News Central Television on July 19, after which it circulated widely on social media.
Reacting to the development, Kanu’s legal team described the comments as reckless, irresponsible and unlawful, insisting they amounted to a direct threat to their client’s life.
The statement further argued that such remarks had the potential to incite violence, endanger public peace and undermine ongoing judicial proceedings involving the IPOB leader.
According to the lawyers, the comments may constitute an offence under Section 24(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, which criminalises the intentional transmission of electronic messages capable of threatening lives or causing a breakdown of law and order.
They also maintained that the remarks could attract criminal liability under relevant provisions of the Criminal Code relating to incitement to violence.
The legal team further accused News Central Television of providing a platform for content capable of encouraging unlawful acts, warning that the broadcaster could face regulatory consequences for allegedly violating broadcasting standards on incitement and public order.
It also argued that making such comments while Kanu’s trial remains before the court could amount to contempt of court.
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The lawyers disclosed that they were reviewing all available legal options, including filing formal complaints with the appropriate authorities.
They demanded an immediate public retraction from Nnabugwu and an unreserved televised apology from News Central Television over the broadcast.
According to the statement, the notice should be treated as a formal pre-action notice, warning that legal proceedings would be initiated if both the television station and the guest failed to comply with the demands.