JUST IN: Lawyer Ejimakor Gives Fresh Update on Nnamdi Kanu’s Court of Appeal Case
Aloy Ejimakor, lawyer to the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has provided an update on the status and next steps of his client’s appeal at the Court of Appeal.
In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, Ejimakor said that Kanu’s Notice and Grounds of Appeal were filed in February 2026, formally initiating the appellate process.
He explained that the record of appeal, which includes the charge sheet, proceedings, exhibits, rulings, judgment, and sentence, has already been compiled by the registrar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, and transmitted to the Court of Appeal.
According to Ejimakor, the next stage involves filing briefs of argument. The defence team is expected to submit Kanu’s appellant’s brief within 45 days of receiving the record, addressing 22 grounds of appeal and seeking to overturn the conviction.
He added that the Federal Government, as respondent, will file its brief within 30 days of being served, after which the defence may submit a reply brief within 14 days if necessary.
Ejimakor noted that these briefs form the core of the appeal, and oral arguments during the hearing will be limited to clarifications; no fresh evidence or witness testimony will be allowed at this stage.
Once all briefs are filed, the Court of Appeal will schedule a hearing before a three-member panel of justices, who will hear arguments from both sides. Following the hearing, the court is expected to reserve judgment, which could be delivered within weeks or a few months, but not exceeding 90 days.
He outlined the possible outcomes of the appeal: the court could allow the appeal and quash the conviction, dismiss the appeal and uphold the judgment, or order a retrial.
Ejimakor urged the public to focus on the clear, sequential stages of the appeal rather than daily speculation.
He said, “This is the standard, transparent roadmap laid down by Nigerian law, and MNK’s appeal cannot be any different. The appeal is progressing exactly as the rules require, one procedural step at a time.”
