Olamilekan Abayomi
Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has appealed his terrorism conviction and life sentence at the Court of Appeal in Abuja. Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on November 20, 2025, by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on seven counts of terrorism-related charges.
In his appeal, Kanu argues that the trial judge erred in law by failing to resolve the procedural and competence consequences of the foundational disruption of the original trial process in September 2017, which led to a miscarriage of justice. He also claims that the trial judge ignored his pending preliminary objection and bail application, and delivered judgment without permitting him to file a final written address.
Kanu’s appeal contains 22 grounds, alleging errors of law, denial of fair hearing, and a miscarriage of justice. He contends that the trial court failed to address the context of state-led violence, and that his absence from Nigeria between 2017 and 2021 was not voluntary but compelled by state actions.
The IPOB leader is seeking to quash his conviction on all counts, set aside the life imprisonment sentence, and be discharged and acquitted of all charges. He has requested to be present during the appeal hearing, stating that he may elect to conduct his defense personally.
Kanu’s lawyers argue that the trial was marred by fundamental procedural irregularities and a failure to address the context of state-led violence. They claim that the trial judge’s failure to rule on pending applications and objections denied Kanu a fair hearing.
The appeal also challenges the trial court’s reliance on alleged broadcasts and incitement, insisting that the materials were neither properly authenticated nor conclusively linked to Kanu. Kanu’s team argues that the court relied on repealed statutes and legally incompetent provisions, exposing him to double jeopardy.
Kanu’s case has sparked widespread attention and debate, with many calling for a fair and transparent judicial process. The outcome of the appeal is uncertain, but it is likely to have significant implications for Kanu and the IPOB movement.
