Nnamdi Kanu files appeal against terrorism conviction, life jail term
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has approached the court of appeal in Abuja to challenge his conviction and life imprisonment sentence.
In a notice of appeal dated February 4, 2026, Kanu filed the appeal marked CA/ABJ/CR/…/2026, seeking to overturn the judgment delivered in charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015.
In November 2025, the Federal High Court convicted Kanu and sentenced him to life imprisonment on seven counts bordering on terrorism.
The offences included committing an act preparatory to, or in furtherance of, terrorism contrary to section 1(2)(b) of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013.
Kanu was also convicted for making a broadcast around May 30, 2021, which was received in Nigeria and allegedly sought to intimidate the public by issuing a threat that anyone who defied a sit-at-home order should prepare a will.
In the appeal, Kanu argued that the trial court erred in law and procedure by imposing sentence without granting him the right of allocutus.
He said the omission denied him the opportunity to address the court before sentencing.
Kanu also argued that the trial court failed to consider mitigating factors and other essential sentencing considerations before imposing the maximum punishment.
He urged the appellate court to allow the appeal and quash his conviction on all counts.
Kanu further asked the court to set aside the life imprisonment sentence imposed by the trial judge.
He prayed the court to grant “an order of the Honourable Court of Appeal quashing, reversing and setting aside the sentences/punishment imposed on the appellant by the Honourable trial Federal High Court Judge in the charge No; FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015”.
Kanu also requested “an order of the Honourable Court of Appeal discharging and acquitting the appellant in respect of all the counts in charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015”.
The appeal lists Kanu as the appellant, while the federal republic of Nigeria is named as the respondent.
The filing marks the latest legal move by the IPOB leader, who is currently being held in Sokoto prison, as he challenges the outcome of his trial and the severity of his sentence.
