The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has filed a notice of appeal challenging his conviction and multiple sentences imposed by the Federal High Court in Abuja, insisting that the trial was plagued by fundamental legal errors and amounted to a miscarriage of justice.
The notice of appeal dated February 4, 2026, Kanu said he was appealing against his conviction and sentences on seven counts, including terrorism-related offences, for which he received five life sentences and additional prison terms after being found guilty on November 20, 2025.
“I, Nnamdi Kanu, the appellant, having been convicted and sentenced… do hereby give notice of appeal against my conviction,” the document stated.
Kanu was convicted of offences including committing acts preparatory to or in furtherance of terrorism, making broadcasts with intent to intimidate the population, and being the leader and member of the Indigenous People of Biafra, a proscribed organisation in Nigeria.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered the judgment on November 20, 2025, sentencing Kanu to five life terms for terrorism-related offences, 20 years’ imprisonment for being the leader of a proscribed organisation, and five years’ imprisonment without an option of fine for importing a radio transmitter without a licence.
In 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.
“The Learned Trial Judge erred in law by failing to resolve the procedural and competence consequences of the foundational disruption of the original trial process in September 2017,” he argued.
He further contended that the court proceeded with the trial and delivered judgment while his preliminary objection challenging the competence of the proceedings remained unresolved.
“The Learned Trial Judge did not hear or determine the objection,” the appeal document stated, adding that judgment was delivered while the objection was still pending.
Kanu also faulted the court for delivering judgment while his bail application was yet to be determined, arguing that this affected the fairness of the proceedings.
In addition, he claimed that the trial court convicted him under a law that had already been repealed, alleging that he was sentenced under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013, despite its repeal by the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, before judgment was delivered.
He further argued that he was subjected to double jeopardy, contrary to Section 36(9) of the 1999 Constitution, after being retried on facts he said had earlier been nullified by the Court of Appeal.
Kanu also alleged that he was denied fair hearing, claiming he was not allowed to file or present a final written address before judgment was delivered.
Among the reliefs sought, Kanu urged the Court of Appeal to allow the appeal, quash his conviction and sentences, and discharge and acquit him on all counts. He also informed the appellate court of his intention to be present at the hearing, stating that he might conduct the appeal in person.
Kanu is currently being held at a correctional facility in Sokoto State, after his request to be transferred to a facility in either Niger or Nasarawa State was denied.
Elijah Adeyemi
