IPOB Urges Appeal Court to Overturn Kanu Conviction

On Saturday, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) reacted to ongoing appeal proceedings involving its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, as legal arguments continue at the Court of Appeal over his conviction delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 20, 2025.

IPOB said it is confident that the appeal process will lead to his release, while the Federal Government’s cross-appeal has also become part of the case being reviewed by the appellate court.

The group made its position known through a statement issued by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, after reviewing the Federal Government’s notice of cross-appeal filed against parts of the earlier court judgment. IPOB said the appeal documents raised issues connected to whether the trial court had the power to handle certain parts of the case.

According to the group, questions around jurisdiction are central to court proceedings and should be carefully considered by the Court of Appeal. It argued that if a court does not have the authority to hear a matter, then decisions reached in such a case may not stand.

IPOB also referred to past legal rulings, including the Supreme Court decision in Madukolu v. Nkemdilim, to support its argument that a case without proper jurisdiction cannot remain valid. The group said the appeal court should look closely at all the issues raised by both sides before giving its decision.

The pro-Biafra group restated its support for Nnamdi Kanu, describing him as a strong supporter of the Biafran cause. It said ongoing legal and political pressure will not stop the push by those seeking self-determination.

IPOB further asked the Court of Appeal to allow Kanu’s appeal and order his release from detention. It expressed confidence that the court process will eventually clear him as the case continues to attract attention within and outside Nigeria.