Nnamdi Kanu challenges life sentence, heads to Appeal Court over “unfair trial”

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has appealed his conviction and life imprisonment sentence for terrorism-related offences, asking the Court of Appeal in Abuja to overturn the judgment of the Federal High Court that found him guilty.

In a notice of appeal filed on February 4, 2026, Kanu urged the appellate court to quash both his conviction and the sentences imposed on him, arguing that the trial court violated fundamental principles of criminal procedure. Central to his appeal is the claim that the life sentence was imposed without allocutus, the opportunity for a convicted defendant to address the court and explain why the maximum sentence should not be applied.

Among the reliefs sought, Kanu asked the court of appeal to set aside the entire judgment delivered in charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015. He specifically requested an order quashing all the counts on which he was convicted, reversing the sentences imposed, and discharging and acquitting him of all charges.

“An order of the Honourable Court of Appeal quashing the conviction of the appellant in all the counts in the charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015 by the Federal High Court Judge,” part of the reliefs read. He also sought “an order… quashing, reversing and setting aside the sentences/punishment imposed” and another order “discharging and acquitting the appellant in respect of all the counts.”

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Kanu’s appeal follows a judgment delivered in November 2025 by James Omotosho, a judge of the federal high court in Abuja, who sentenced the IPOB leader to life imprisonment on terrorism charges. The court convicted Kanu on counts one, four, five and six of the seven-count charge and imposed a life sentence for each of those counts. He was also sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment on count three and five years’ imprisonment on count seven.

In his ruling, Omotosho held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt and that Kanu failed to offer a credible defence. The judge said the IPOB leader “deliberately refused” to challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution, a conduct the court interpreted as weakening his defence.

The trial judge also made pronouncements on Kanu’s custodial status, ruling that his conduct in court made him unsuitable for detention at the Kuje correctional centre in Abuja. Omotosho ordered that Kanu be placed in protective custody in any part of Nigeria, citing security concerns.

Kanu, who has been in detention since his extradition to Nigeria in 2021, has repeatedly challenged the legality of his trial and detention. His latest appeal adds a new layer to the long-running legal battle surrounding the IPOB leader, whose case has drawn significant national and international attention due to its political and security implications.

The Court of Appeal is yet to fix a date for the hearing of the appeal.