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 in Abuja.
In the appeal document dated February 4, 2026, Kanu said he is contesting his conviction on seven terrorism-related charges, which led to five life sentences and additional jail terms after he was 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 notice stated.
Kanu was convicted for offences including committing acts linked to terrorism, making broadcasts allegedly intended to intimidate the public, and being a leader and member of IPOB, which is a proscribed organisation in Nigeria.
Justice James Omotosho, who delivered the judgment on November 20, 2025, sentenced Kanu to five life terms for terrorism-related offences. He was also given 20 years imprisonment for being a leader of IPOB and five years imprisonment, without an option of fine, for importing a radio transmitter without a licence.
Kanu Raises Key Legal Objections
In his grounds of appeal, Kanu argued that the trial was filled with serious legal flaws and claimed the court failed to address what he described as a major 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 also claimed the court delivered judgment while his preliminary objection challenging the competence of the trial was still pending.
“The Learned Trial Judge did not hear or determine the objection,” the document stated, adding that judgment was delivered while the objection remained unresolved.
Kanu further said the court proceeded with judgment while his bail application was still awaiting decision, insisting it affected the fairness of the entire trial.
Claims of Repealed Law and Double Jeopardy
Another major argument raised by Kanu was that he was convicted under a law that had already been repealed.
He claimed the court wrongly sentenced him under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013, despite its repeal by the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Kanu also alleged he was subjected to double jeopardy, which is prohibited under Section 36(9) of the 1999 Constitution, arguing that he was retried on facts that had already been nullified by the Court of Appeal.
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Fair Hearing Concerns
Kanu also claimed he was denied fair hearing, alleging that he was not allowed to file or present a final written address before the judgment was delivered.
Reliefs Sought
In the appeal, Kanu asked the Court of Appeal to overturn the conviction, quash all sentences, and discharge and acquit him on all counts.
He also stated his desire to be present during the appeal hearing, noting that he may decide to represent himself.
“I want to be present on the hearing of the appeal because I may be conducting the appeal in person,” he said.
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 reportedly denied.
