The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has claimed that the Federal Government’s cross-appeal in the case involving its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has exposed what it described as major legal flaws in the proceedings that led to his conviction.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group argued that issues raised by the Federal Government in the appeal process have cast doubt on the jurisdiction of the trial court and could significantly affect the validity of the conviction.
IPOB maintained that jurisdiction is the foundation of every criminal trial and cannot be separated into different stages of judicial proceedings. According to the group, if a court is found to have lacked jurisdiction in any critical aspect of a case, the entire process, including the conviction and sentencing, could be called into question.
The group argued that the Federal Government’s position in its cross-appeal appeared to acknowledge jurisdictional concerns, which it said may weaken the legal basis of the judgment against Kanu.
IPOB further alleged that the trial was marred by several procedural irregularities, including the application of repealed laws, denial of fair hearing, non-disclosure of relevant legal provisions, and the withholding of evidence.
According to the organisation, these issues collectively raise serious concerns about the fairness and legality of the proceedings.
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The group insisted that the Court of Appeal would need to carefully examine whether the conviction can stand in light of the questions surrounding jurisdiction and alleged procedural breaches.
IPOB also argued that the outcome of the appeal could have broader implications for Nigeria’s justice system, particularly regarding constitutional rights, fair hearing, and the limits of judicial authority.
The organisation called on legal practitioners, human rights groups, diplomats, and the international community to closely monitor the case, describing it as an important test of adherence to legal principles and due process.
Kanu is currently facing terrorism-related charges brought by the Federal Government over activities linked to IPOB.
In October 2022, the Court of Appeal discharged him after ruling that his rendition from Kenya to Nigeria violated both domestic and international laws. However, the Federal Government challenged the decision, and the Supreme Court later set aside the discharge, ordering that the trial continue on its merits.
Following the resumption of proceedings, Kanu was convicted and sentenced by the court. He is currently being held at the Sokoto Correctional Centre while serving his sentence.
