The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has formally approached the Court of Appeal to challenge his conviction and multiple sentences imposed by the Federal High Court in Abuja, insisting that his trial was fundamentally flawed and resulted in a miscarriage of justice.
In a notice of appeal dated February 4, 2026, Kanu is contesting his conviction on seven counts, including terrorism-related offences, for which he was handed five life sentences alongside additional prison terms. He was found guilty and sentenced on November 20, 2025.
Kanu argued that the trial court committed grave legal errors, particularly by 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 in Abia State.
He further contended that the trial court proceeded with the hearing and ultimately delivered judgment despite the pendency of a preliminary objection challenging the competence of the entire proceedings.
The IPOB leader also faulted the court for delivering judgment while his bail application was still awaiting determination, a move he said undermined the fairness and integrity of the trial.
Among his key grounds of appeal, Kanu claimed he was wrongly convicted under a repealed law. He argued that the trial judge erred by convicting and sentencing him under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013, despite its repeal by the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which came into force before judgment was delivered.
He further alleged that he was subjected to double jeopardy, contrary to Section 36(9) of the 1999 Constitution, asserting that he was retried on facts and charges that had previously been nullified by the Court of Appeal.
Kanu also complained of a denial of fair hearing, claiming that he was not afforded the opportunity to file or present a final written address before the trial court delivered its judgment.
In the reliefs sought, he urged the Court of Appeal to allow his appeal, quash his conviction and sentences, and discharge and acquit him on all counts.
Kanu additionally informed the appellate court of his intention to be physically present during the hearing of the appeal, stating that he may choose to conduct the appeal in person.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had on November 20, 2025, sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment. He is currently being held at a correctional facility in Sokoto State, following the court’s refusal of his request for transfer to another facility.
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