Nnamdi Kanu appeals conviction, challenges terrorism trial

The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has filed a notice of appeal challenging his conviction and sentences imposed by the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing the proceedings as flawed and a miscarriage of justice.

In the appeal dated February 4, 2026, Kanu asked the Court of Appeal to set aside his conviction on seven terrorism-related counts and quash the multiple sentences handed down by the trial court.

“I, Nnamdi Kanu, the Appellant, having been convicted and sentenced… do hereby give notice of appeal against my conviction,” the document stated.

Kanu was convicted on November 20, 2025, by Justice James Omotosho for offences including committing acts preparatory to terrorism, making broadcasts allegedly intended to intimidate the public, and being a member and leader of IPOB, a group proscribed by the Federal Government.

The court sentenced him to five life terms for terrorism-related offences, 20 years’ imprisonment for leading the proscribed organisation, and an additional five years for importing a radio transmitter without a licence.

In his grounds of appeal, Kanu argued that the trial was marred by fundamental legal and procedural errors.

He contended that the court failed to address what he described as disruptions to the original proceedings following the 2017 military operation at his Afara-Ukwu residence.

“The learned trial judge erred in law by failing to resolve the procedural and competence consequences of the foundational disruption of the original trial process,” he said.

He further claimed that the court proceeded to trial and delivered judgment while his preliminary objection challenging the competence of the case was still pending.

According to him, the trial court also delivered its verdict while his bail application remained undecided, which he argued undermined the fairness of the proceedings.

Kanu additionally maintained that he was convicted under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013, which he said had already been repealed and replaced by the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, before the judgment.

He also alleged double jeopardy, claiming he was retried on issues previously nullified by the Court of Appeal, and complained that he was denied the opportunity to file a final written address before judgment.

Among the reliefs sought, Kanu urged the appellate court to allow the appeal, set aside his conviction and sentences, and discharge and acquit him on all counts.

He also indicated his intention to be present during the hearing of the appeal, stating that he may choose to conduct his defence personally.

Kanu is currently being held at a correctional facility in Sokoto State after a request for transfer to another facility was denied.