The convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has approached the Court of Appeal to contest his conviction and the multiple sentences handed down by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu maintains that his prosecution was deeply flawed, arguing that the entire process was marked by grave legal missteps that resulted in a miscarriage of justice.
In a notice of appeal dated February 4, 2026, the IPOB leader stated that he is challenging his conviction and sentencing on seven counts, including terrorism-related charges. He was sentenced to five life terms alongside additional prison sentences after being found guilty on November 20, 2025.
In outlining his grounds of appeal, Kanu accused the trial court of failing to address what he described as a “foundational disruption of the original trial process” following the 2017 military operation at his Afara-Ukwu residence.
He also argued that the court continued with the trial and ultimately delivered judgment despite his preliminary objection challenging the competence of the proceedings remaining unresolved.
Kanu further faulted the court for proceeding to judgment while his bail application was still pending, insisting that this development compromised the fairness and integrity of the trial.
He contended that the court convicted him under a law that was no longer in force, asserting that “the learned trial judge erred in law by convicting and sentencing the appellant under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013, notwithstanding its repeal by the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, prior to judgment.”
The IPOB leader also claimed that he was subjected to double jeopardy, in violation of Section 36(9) of the 1999 Constitution, after being retried on matters he said had previously been nullified by the Court of Appeal.
In addition, Kanu alleged that his right to fair hearing was breached, stating that he was not given the opportunity to file or adopt a final written address before judgment was delivered.
As part of the reliefs sought, Kanu asked the Court of Appeal to allow his appeal, set aside his conviction and sentences, and “discharge and acquit the appellant in respect of all the counts.”
He also informed the appellate court of his intention to be physically present at the appeal hearing, stating, “I want to be present at the hearing of the appeal because I may be conducting the appeal in person.”
On November 20, 2025, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment. He is currently being held at a correctional facility in Sokoto State after his request to be transferred to another facility was declined.
What you should know
Nnamdi Kanu’s appeal represents a critical phase in one of Nigeria’s most high-profile security and separatist cases.
His legal challenge raises questions about the application of repealed laws, the right to fair hearing, and constitutional protections against double jeopardy. The outcome of the appeal could have significant implications for terrorism prosecutions and judicial procedure in Nigeria, especially in cases involving national security.
As the appellate court reviews the matter, attention will remain on whether alleged procedural lapses are sufficient to overturn one of the country’s most controversial convictions.