Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has filed a notice of appeal challenging his conviction and multiple prison sentences imposed by the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing the trial as fundamentally flawed and a miscarriage of justice.
In the appeal dated February 4, 2026, Kanu signaled his intention to contest his conviction on seven counts, including terrorism-related offences. He was convicted on November 20, 2025, and sentenced to five life terms in addition to other jail sentences.
Kanu stated that he is dissatisfied with both the verdict and the penalties imposed by the trial court. The judgment was delivered by Justice James Omotosho, who found him guilty of offences including acts preparatory to terrorism, making broadcasts allegedly aimed at intimidating the public, and membership of IPOB, an organisation proscribed by the Federal Government.
Following the ruling, Kanu received five life sentences for terrorism-related charges, a 20-year prison term for leading the proscribed group, and an additional five-year jail term without an option of fine for importing a radio transmitter without a licence.
In his appeal, Kanu argued that the trial court failed to address what he described as a disruption of the original proceedings following the 2017 military operation at his Afara-Ukwu residence. He maintained that the case continued despite unresolved preliminary objections challenging the court’s jurisdiction and the competence of the trial.
He further contended that judgment was delivered while his bail application remained pending, a move he said undermined the fairness of the judicial process.
Kanu also faulted the court for convicting him under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013, which he claimed had been repealed and replaced by the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, prior to the judgment.
Additionally, the IPOB leader alleged that his conviction amounted to double jeopardy, in violation of Section 36(9) of the 1999 Constitution, arguing that he was retried on issues earlier nullified by the Court of Appeal.
He further claimed that he was denied a fair hearing, alleging that he was not allowed to submit a final written address before judgment was delivered.
Among the reliefs sought, Kanu urged the Court of Appeal to overturn the conviction, set aside all sentences, and discharge and acquit him on all counts. He also informed the appellate court of his intention to be present at the hearing and indicated that he may choose to represent himself.
Kanu is currently being held at a correctional facility in Sokoto State, after his request for transfer to a detention centre in either Niger or Nasarawa State was reportedly declined.
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