BY GODWIN OBI
The convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has filed a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal, challenging his conviction and multiple sentences imposed by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu is contesting the judgment delivered on November 20, 2025, in which he was found guilty on seven counts bordering on terrorism-related offences and sentenced to five life terms in addition to other prison sentences.
In the notice of appeal dated February 4, 2026, Kanu argued that his trial was marred by fundamental legal flaws which, he said, resulted in a miscarriage of justice.
He accused the trial court of failing to address what he described as a “foundational disruption” of the proceedings arising from the 2017 military operation at his Afara-Ukwu residence in Abia State, which he said effectively terminated the original trial.
Kanu further contended that the court proceeded with the trial and ultimately delivered judgment despite his preliminary objection challenging the competence of the proceedings remaining unresolved.
He also faulted the court for delivering judgment while his bail application was still pending, arguing that this undermined the fairness of the trial.
In another key ground of appeal, Kanu claimed that he was convicted under a law that had already been repealed. He argued that the trial judge erred in law by convicting and sentencing him under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013, despite its repeal by the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 prior to the delivery of judgment.
The IPOB leader further alleged that his retrial amounted to double jeopardy, in violation of Section 36(9) of the 1999 Constitution, insisting that he was tried again on facts that had earlier been nullified by the Court of Appeal.
Kanu also claimed he was denied fair hearing, stating that he was not allowed to file or adopt a final written address before judgment was delivered.
Among the reliefs sought, he urged the Court of Appeal to allow the appeal, quash his conviction and sentences, and discharge and acquit him on all counts.
He also notified the appellate court of his intention to be 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, sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment on November 20, 2025.
He is currently being held at a correctional facility in Sokoto State, following the court’s refusal of his application for transfer to another facility.
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2026-02-04