Tension rises as Nnamdi Kanu pushes for acquittal in appeal court
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The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has filed a notice of appeal challenging his conviction and multiple prison sentences handed down by the Federal High Court, Abuja, describing the trial as flawed and a miscarriage of justice.
In the notice of appeal dated February 4, 2026, Kanu announced his decision to challenge his conviction on seven counts, including terrorism-related offences.
The IPOB leader was found guilty on November 20, 2025, and sentenced to five life terms alongside additional jail sentences.
In the appeal document, Kanu declared his intention to contest the judgment, stating that he was dissatisfied with both the conviction and sentencing.
The court, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, had earlier convicted Kanu on charges including committing acts preparatory to terrorism, making broadcasts allegedly intended to intimidate the public, and belonging to IPOB, which has been proscribed by the Nigerian government.
Following the ruling, Kanu received five life sentences for terrorism-related offences, 20 years imprisonment for being a leader of the proscribed organisation, and an additional five-year jail term without the option of fine for importing a radio transmitter without a licence.
In his appeal, Kanu argued that the trial court failed to properly address what he described as a disruption of the initial trial process following a 2017 military operation at his Afara-Ukwu residence.
He maintained that the trial proceeded despite unresolved preliminary objections challenging the competence of the proceedings. According to him, the court delivered judgment while those objections remained pending.
Kanu also faulted the court for delivering judgment while his bail application was still unresolved, insisting that the move compromised the fairness of the judicial process.
Additionally, he argued that he was convicted under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013, which he claimed had already been repealed and replaced by the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, before the judgment was delivered.
The IPOB leader further alleged that his conviction amounted to double jeopardy, contrary to Section 36(9) of the 1999 Constitution, claiming he was retried on issues previously nullified by the Court of Appeal.
He also alleged that he was denied fair hearing after he was reportedly not allowed to present a final written address before judgment was delivered.
Among the reliefs sought, Kanu urged the Court of Appeal to overturn the conviction, set aside the sentences, and discharge and acquit him on all counts.
He also informed the appellate court of his intention to personally attend the hearing of the appeal, indicating that he may represent himself during proceedings.
Kanu is currently being held at a correctional facility in Sokoto State after his request to be transferred to a different detention centre in either Niger or Nasarawa State was reportedly denied.
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