Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has filed an appeal against his conviction and multiple sentences handed down by the Federal High Court in Abuja. The notice of appeal, dated February 4, 2026, challenges both the judgment and the legal process of his trial, claiming it involved procedural errors and denied him a fair hearing.
Kanu was convicted on November 20, 2025, on seven counts, including terrorism-related offences. The court sentenced him to five life terms for terrorism, 20 years’ imprisonment for leading a proscribed organization, and five years for importing a radio transmitter without a licence. He is currently being held in a correctional facility in Sokoto State, after a request to be moved to another location was denied.
The appeal argues that the trial court failed to address disruptions caused by a military operation at Kanu’s residence in Afara-Ukwu in 2017. He claims the court continued with the trial and delivered judgment while his preliminary objection challenging the competence of the proceedings remained unresolved. Kanu also contends that he was convicted under a repealed law, exposing him to double jeopardy under the Constitution, and was not allowed to submit a final written address before judgment.
Through the appeal, Kanu is asking the Court of Appeal to overturn his conviction and sentences, and to acquit him of all charges. He also expressed a desire to attend the hearing in person, stating that he may conduct parts of the appeal himself.
The case remains under review as the appeal process begins, and the outcome could affect the enforcement of his sentences and his future legal standing.
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