Nnamdi Kanu’s appeal proceedings within legal framework,  lawyer assures Nigerians

Aloy Ejimakor, the legal counsel for Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has dismissed claims of unusual delays in his client’s ongoing appeal process.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Ejimakor refuted rumours that the appeal may have been abandoned, clarifying that the process is unfolding as expected within the established legal framework.

He emphasized that the appeal, which challenges Kanu’s 2025 conviction, is already in progress. “As is well known, the Notice and Grounds of Appeal were filed in February 2026—marking the first critical step that set the appeal process in motion,” he said.

Ejimakor also highlighted the subsequent milestones in the appeal process, noting that the record of appeal had already been transmitted, and the exchange of briefs between the legal teams is currently underway.

“The filing of the Notice in February 2026 effectively activated the appeal process, which is now ‘live’,” Ejimakor stated.

According to the lawyer, the next procedural step involves the Kanu legal team submitting its brief of argument within 45 days of receiving the record. The prosecution will then have 30 days to file its response. The court, he added, will rely primarily on these written briefs, with oral arguments to clarify specific issues raised.

He further clarified that no new evidence or oral testimony would be presented at the appellate stage.

Ejimakor urged the public to disregard misconceptions surrounding the appeal, noting that it follows a methodical, structured process distinct from previous court proceedings. “The appeal will progress in a clear, step-by-step manner, aligned with the established legal framework. It is important to focus on these stages, rather than the daily rumours suggesting otherwise,” he stated.

While acknowledging that the process may take several months, Ejimakor pointed out that terrorism-related cases are generally given priority for expedited hearings.

“This is the transparent, legally defined pathway, and Nnamdi Kanu’s appeal is proceeding exactly as required—one procedural step at a time,” Ejimakor concluded.

In November 2025, Justice James Omotosho sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment after convicting him on charges related to terrorism. Kanu was also sentenced to additional terms of 20 years and five years for counts three and seven, respectively. The IPOB leader is currently serving his sentence at the Sokoto Correctional Centre.