The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has filed a notice of appeal challenging his conviction and sentences for terrorism-related offences, describing the trial as a miscarriage of justice marked by fundamental legal errors.
In the notice of appeal dated February 4, 2026, Kanu said he was appealing against his conviction on seven counts, for which the Federal High Court, Abuja, sentenced him to five life terms and additional prison sentences on November 20, 2025.
Justice James Omotosho had convicted Kanu for offences including committing acts preparatory to terrorism, making broadcasts intended to intimidate the public, leading a proscribed organisation, and importing a radio transmitter without a licence.
The IPOB leader was sentenced to five life terms for terrorism-related counts, 20 years’ imprisonment for leading IPOB, and five years’ imprisonment without an option of fine for the radio transmitter offence.
In his grounds of appeal, Kanu argued that the trial court failed to address what he termed a “foundational disruption” of the original trial following the 2017 military operation at his Afara-Ukwu residence.
He also contended that the court proceeded to judgment while his preliminary objection challenging the competence of the trial remained unresolved.
Kanu further faulted the court for delivering judgment while his bail application was still pending, and for convicting him under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013, which he said had been repealed by the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, before judgment was delivered.
He also alleged double jeopardy, contrary to Section 36(9) of the 1999 Constitution, arguing that he was retried on facts earlier nullified by the Court of Appeal. In addition, he claimed he was denied fair hearing, saying he was not allowed to file or present a final written address before judgment.
Kanu is asking the Court of Appeal to allow the appeal, quash his conviction and sentences, and discharge and acquit him on all counts.
