The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has filed a notice of appeal challenging his conviction and sentences, alleging that his terrorism trial was marked by serious legal flaws.
In the appeal dated February 4, 2026, Kanu is contesting his conviction on seven counts, including terrorism-related offences, for which he was sentenced to five life terms and additional prison sentences by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu was found guilty on November 20, 2025, following a trial presided over by Justice James Omotosho. The court also sentenced him to 20 years’ imprisonment for being the leader of a proscribed organisation and five years’ jail term for importing a radio transmitter without a licence.
In his grounds of appeal, Kanu argued that the trial court failed to address what he described as a fundamental disruption of the original proceedings after the 2017 military operation at his Afara-Ukwu residence.
He maintained that the judge erred by proceeding with the trial and delivering judgment while his preliminary objection challenging the competence of the proceedings remained unresolved.
According to the appeal, the court also delivered judgment while his bail application was still pending, an action Kanu said undermined the fairness of the trial.
The IPOB leader further claimed that he was convicted under a law that had already been repealed, arguing that the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act of 2013 had been replaced by a new terrorism law before judgment was delivered.
He also alleged double jeopardy, stating that he was retried on issues previously nullified by the Court of Appeal, in violation of constitutional provisions.
Kanu further complained that he was denied a fair hearing, claiming he was not allowed to file or present a final written address before the judgment was handed down.
In his reliefs, he urged the Court of Appeal to set aside his conviction and sentences and enter a verdict of discharge and acquittal on all counts.
He also informed the appellate court of his intention to be present during the hearing of the appeal, indicating that he may choose to conduct the case personally.
Kanu remains in custody at a correctional facility in Sokoto State following the rejection of his request for transfer to another detention centre.
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