Abuja, 5 February 2026 – Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has lodged a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal in Abuja challenging his conviction on seven terrorism-related counts and multiple life sentences.
The appeal, filed on 4 February 2026 under appeal number CA/ABJ/CR/……/2026 (charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015), was personally signed by Mr Kanu while detained in Sokoto Correctional Centre. It names the Federal Republic of Nigeria as respondent.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court convicted Mr Kanu on 20 November 2025 on all seven counts. The offences included:
Committing an act preparatory to or in furtherance of an act of terrorism, punishable under Section 1(2)(b) of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013 – sentenced to life imprisonment.
Making a broadcast on or about 30 May 2021, received and heard in Nigeria, with intent to intimidate the population by issuing a deadly threat that anyone flouting a sit-at-home order should “write his/her will”.
Managing and leading a proscribed terrorist organisation (IPOB).
Membership of the proscribed group.
Directing the manufacture of bombs and explosives.
Inciting attacks on security personnel and civilians.
Illegal importation of a radio transmitter – sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.
Mr Kanu received multiple life sentences across the counts, with an additional 20-year term for leadership and membership of IPOB. He is serving the sentences concurrently in Sokoto.
In the notice of appeal, Mr Kanu seeks several reliefs: that the Court of Appeal allow the appeal, quash the convictions on all seven counts, set aside all sentences, discharge and acquit him, and permit him to appear in person to conduct the appeal.
The document sets out 22 grounds of appeal, alleging errors of law, miscarriage of justice, denial of fair hearing and procedural irregularities by the trial judge. Key grounds include:
Failure to resolve the impact of the 2017 “Operation Python Dance II” military operation on Mr Kanu’s home, which led to his absence and related deaths and destruction.
Refusal to hear pending preliminary objections on jurisdiction and competence of the proceedings.
Improper treatment of an interim stay and failure to apply a prior Court of Appeal ruling that declared earlier proceedings a nullity.
Subjection to double jeopardy contrary to constitutional protections.
Delivery of judgment while a bail application remained pending.
Conviction under the repealed 2013 Terrorism Act rather than the 2022 version.
Lack of proof beyond reasonable doubt on several counts, including failure to authenticate broadcasts or prove authorship and intimidating effect.
Convictions for offences allegedly committed outside Nigeria.
Denial of the opportunity to conclude his defence or file a final written address.
Overruling of a no-case submission without applying the correct legal standard.
Insufficient evidence, including no testimony from victims or direct witnesses.
Failure to consider the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights provisions on fair trial and liberty.
Sentencing without allowing Mr Kanu to address the court in mitigation.
No date has yet been set for the hearing of the appeal. The filing represents Mr Kanu’s most detailed legal challenge yet to the trial process and outcome.
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