Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has formally lodged an appeal against his conviction and life sentence over terrorism-related offences.
His counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the development, stating that the notice of appeal was filed at the Court of Appeal in Abuja. The move signals the beginning of what the defence describes as a comprehensive legal challenge to the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court.
Justice James Omotosho had in November 2025 sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment after finding him guilty on seven counts linked to terrorism, including alleged broadcasts, incitement, directives on bomb-making and the unlawful importation of a radio transmitter. The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently.
The defence team said the appeal, filed on February 4, 2026, contains 22 grounds contesting the conviction and the life sentences. According to the lawyers, the issues represent a condensed version of a much broader review that initially identified numerous procedural and legal concerns.
They maintained that the strategy behind the appeal is to present the appellate court with what they termed a cumulative picture of systemic lapses during the trial rather than an extensive list of complaints.
Among the issues raised is the trial court’s handling of the 2017 military operation at Kanu’s residence, known as Operation Python Dance II, which the defence argued led to deaths and destruction. The legal team contended that the incident forced Kanu to leave Nigeria and should not have been treated as voluntary flight during the proceedings.
The appeal also alleges breaches of fair hearing provisions under Section 36 of the Constitution. According to the defence, the trial court failed to determine a pending preliminary objection, left a bail application unresolved and delivered judgment without allowing the defence to submit a final written address.
