The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has filed a notice of appeal challenging his conviction and multiple sentences handed down by the Federal High Court in Abuja, arguing that the trial was marred by fundamental legal flaws and amounted to a miscarriage of justice.
In the notice of appeal dated February 4, 2026, Kanu said he is contesting his conviction on seven counts, including terrorism-related offences, for which he was sentenced to five life terms as well as additional prison sentences. 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 document stated.
Kanu was convicted of offences including committing acts preparatory to or in furtherance of terrorism, making broadcasts with intent to intimidate the public, and being the leader and a member of the Indigenous People of Biafra, a group proscribed by the Nigerian government.
Delivering judgment on November 20, 2025, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, sentenced Kanu to five life sentences for terrorism-related offences, 20 years’ imprisonment for leading the proscribed IPOB, and an additional five years’ imprisonment without the option of a 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 in Abia State.
“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,” Kanu 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 stated, adding that judgment was delivered “while the objection remained pending and undetermined.”
Kanu also faulted the court for delivering judgment while his bail application was still pending, arguing that this undermined the fairness of the proceedings.
In addition, he claimed that the court convicted and sentenced him under a law that had already been repealed, noting that the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013, had been replaced by the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, prior to the delivery of judgment.
Kanu 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 previously been nullified by the Court of Appeal.
He also alleged a denial of fair hearing, claiming that he was not allowed to file or adopt 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 during the hearing of the appeal, stating: “I want to be present at the hearing of the appeal because I may be conducting 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.
