By SUNTV Global News Desk
February 4, 2026
The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has formally approached the Court of Appeal in Abuja, seeking to overturn his life imprisonment sentence and quash his conviction on terrorism-related charges.
Kanu, who was convicted in November 2025 by the Federal High Court, filed a Notice of Appeal dated February 4, 2026, challenging the judgment delivered in Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015.
The appeal, marked CA/ABJ/CR/…/2026, lists Nnamdi Kanu as the appellant, while the Federal Republic of Nigeria is named as the respondent.
Background of the Conviction
The IPOB leader was sentenced to life imprisonment on seven counts of terrorism, including committing acts preparatory to terrorism under Section 1(2)(b) of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013.
One of the key charges stemmed from a broadcast allegedly made on May 30, 2021, which prosecutors said was received in Nigeria and contained threats warning residents to comply with a sit-at-home order or “prepare a will.”
Grounds of Appeal
In the appeal filed against the Nigerian government, Kanu argued that the trial court erred in law and procedure by sentencing him without granting him the right of allocutus—the opportunity for a convicted person to address the court before sentencing.
He further contended that the trial judge failed to consider relevant mitigating factors and other essential sentencing principles before imposing the maximum punishment.
Reliefs Sought
Kanu is urging the Court of Appeal to:
- Quash his conviction on all seven counts
- Set aside the life imprisonment sentence
- Discharge and acquit him of all charges
- Grant any further orders the court may consider appropriate in the interest of justice
Current Status
The appeal marks the latest legal move by the detained IPOB leader, who is currently being held at Sokoto Prison, as he continues to challenge both the outcome of his trial and the severity of the sentence imposed on him.
SUNTV Global will continue to monitor developments and bring updates as the appeal progresses.
