IPOB Claims Federal Government Appeal Weakens Legal Basis of Nnamdi Kanu’s Conviction

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has claimed that the Federal Government’s cross-appeal in the case involving its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has weakened the legal foundation of his conviction and raised serious questions about the jurisdiction of the trial court.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the separatist group argued that issues emerging from the appeal process could have far-reaching consequences not only for Kanu’s case but also for the credibility of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

IPOB alleged that through its cross-appeal, the Federal Government had effectively admitted that the trial court lacked jurisdiction in aspects of the sentencing process, a development it said undermines the validity of the conviction. The group maintained that jurisdiction is fundamental to any criminal proceeding and cannot be separated into stages.

According to IPOB, if a court is found to have acted without jurisdiction at any point, especially during sentencing, the entire conviction becomes legally unsustainable. It described jurisdiction as a continuous legal principle, insisting that it cannot be divided or treated in isolation.

The group further alleged that the case was affected by procedural irregularities, including reliance on repealed laws, denial of fair hearing, failure to disclose applicable statutes and withholding of evidence. It claimed these issues collectively render the conviction invalid and incapable of standing under the law.

IPOB called on the international community, legal practitioners, diplomats and human rights organisations to monitor the proceedings, saying the appeal raises broader concerns about fair hearing and constitutional safeguards. Kanu, who is facing terrorism-related charges, remains in custody after being convicted and sentenced, following years of legal battles that included his 2022 discharge by the Court of Appeal, which was later set aside by the Supreme Court before his trial resumed and concluded in conviction.



Elijah Adeyemi