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, describing the trial as fraught with legal errors and a miscarriage of justice.
In the notice of appeal dated February 4, 2026, Kanu said he was appealing his conviction and sentences on seven counts, including terrorism-related offences, for which he was sentenced to five life terms and additional prison sentences after being 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 an act preparatory to or in furtherance of an act of terrorism,” “making a broadcast with intent to intimidate the population,” and “being the leader and member of IPOB, a proscribed organization in Nigeria,” among others.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment, sentencing Kanu to five life sentences for terrorism-related offences, 20 years for leading the proscribed IPOB, and five years for importing a radio transmitter without a licence, with no option of fine.
In his appeal, Kanu argued that the trial court failed to address what he described as a “foundational disruption” of the original trial process following a military operation at his Afara-Ukwu residence in 2017.
“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 stated.
He also claimed 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 document read, noting that judgment was delivered “while the objection remained pending and undetermined.”
Kanu further contended that the judgment was rendered while his bail application was still pending, which he argued undermined the fairness of the trial. He also claimed the court convicted him under a repealed law, arguing that he was sentenced under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013, despite its repeal by the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
He alleged that he was subjected to double jeopardy in violation of Section 36(9) of the 1999 Constitution, having been retried on matters previously nullified by the Court of Appeal. Kanu also stated he was denied the opportunity to file a final written address before judgment.
Among the reliefs sought, Kanu asked the Court of Appeal to quash his convictions and sentences and “discharge and acquit the Appellant in respect of all the counts.” He also expressed his intention to attend the appeal hearing in person.
Kanu is currently being held at a correctional facility in Sokoto State, after his request to be transferred to a facility in Niger or Nasarawa State was denied.
