IPOB questions validity of Kanu’s conviction over FG’s cross-appeal

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has argued that issues raised in the Federal Government’s cross-appeal in the case involving its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, have cast doubt on the legal foundation of his conviction and raised significant questions about the jurisdiction of the trial court.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group said the appeal proceedings could have broader implications for both Kanu’s case and Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

According to IPOB, the Federal Government’s cross-appeal effectively acknowledged concerns regarding the trial court’s jurisdiction in parts of the sentencing process, a development the group claimed undermines the validity of the conviction.

The separatist organisation maintained that jurisdiction is central to every criminal proceeding and cannot be separated into different phases of a trial.

“Jurisdiction is not divisible. Jurisdiction is not a buffet. Jurisdiction is a continuum,” the statement said.

IPOB argued that if a court is found to have lacked jurisdiction at the sentencing stage, the conviction itself may not be sustainable because both processes are legally interconnected.

The group further contended that the Court of Appeal would be required to determine whether the conviction can stand in light of the issues raised regarding jurisdiction.

Beyond the jurisdictional question, IPOB alleged that the trial was marred by procedural irregularities, including the application of repealed laws, denial of fair hearing, failure to disclose relevant statutes and the withholding of evidence.

It maintained that these alleged defects collectively render the conviction legally questionable.

The group also stated that the appellate court would need to address what it described as contradictions in the trial process, particularly regarding the legal basis for the conviction.

IPOB warned that the outcome of the appeal could influence future criminal proceedings by shaping judicial interpretation of jurisdiction, fair hearing and constitutional protections.

It called on members of the international community, legal practitioners, diplomats and human rights organisations to closely monitor the case, describing it as an important test of adherence to established legal principles.

Kanu is facing terrorism-related charges filed by the Federal Government over activities linked to IPOB.

The case has attracted widespread local and international attention since it began.

In October 2022, the Court of Appeal discharged Kanu after ruling that his extraordinary rendition from Kenya to Nigeria violated domestic and international law. The Federal Government challenged that decision, and the Supreme Court subsequently set aside the discharge order and directed that the trial continue on its merits.

Following the resumption of proceedings, Kanu was convicted and sentenced by the court.

He is currently serving his sentence at the Sokoto Correctional Centre while legal challenges to the conviction continue.