Kanu Heads to Appeal Court Over Terrorism Conviction

Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has formally approached the Court of Appeal to challenge his conviction and multiple sentences imposed by the Federal High Court.

Kanu was convicted last November on seven counts, including terrorism-related offences, incitement, and membership of a proscribed organisation. He is currently being held at the Sokoto Correctional Centre.

In his notice of appeal, which contains 22 grounds, Kanu argued that the trial process was flawed and resulted in a miscarriage of justice. He contended that key jurisdictional issues were ignored and that pending applications, including those relating to bail, were not properly addressed.

The appeal also questioned the legality of the laws applied, the handling of evidence linked to alleged broadcasts, and the finding of guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Kanu maintained that his absence from Nigeria between 2017 and 2021 was not voluntary and should not have been interpreted as evasion.

Among the reliefs sought, he asked the appellate court to overturn his conviction, nullify all sentences, and grant him a full acquittal. He also applied to be physically present during the appeal proceedings.