The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has filed a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal, challenging his conviction and the sentences imposed on him by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In the appeal dated February 4, 2026, Kanu argued that his trial was plagued by fundamental legal errors which, he said, resulted in a miscarriage of justice.
Kanu is contesting his conviction on seven terrorism-related counts, for which he was sentenced to multiple life terms and additional prison sentences after being found guilty on November 20, 2025.
He alleged that the trial court failed to address what he described as a disruption of the original trial process following the 2017 military operation at his Afara-Ukwu residence in Abia State.
He also maintained that the court proceeded with the trial and delivered judgment despite an unresolved preliminary objection challenging the competence of the proceedings.
Kanu further faulted the court for issuing judgment while his bail application was still pending, arguing that this affected the fairness of the trial.
He claimed that the court convicted him under a law that had already been repealed before judgment, insisting that the applicable legislation had been replaced by a newer terrorism law enacted in 2022.
The IPOB leader also argued that he was subjected to double jeopardy, contrary to constitutional provisions, after being retried on issues he said had earlier been nullified by the Court of Appeal.
In addition, he complained that he was denied fair hearing, alleging that he was not allowed to file or present a final written address before judgment was delivered.
Kanu is asking the Court of Appeal to allow the appeal, quash his conviction and sentences, and discharge and acquit him on all counts.
He also informed the appellate court of his desire to be present during the hearing, stating that he may conduct the appeal in person.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment on November 20, 2025. He is currently being held at a correctional facility in Sokoto State after his request for transfer was denied.
