By Chimdiogo Amuh 

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has filed a 22-point appeal at the Court of Appeal, seeking to overturn his November 20, 2025, life imprisonment conviction by the Federal High Court in Abuja. He argues that his trial was marred by legal errors and procedural irregularities that constitute a miscarriage of justice.

Kanu, who was convicted on seven counts of terrorism, personally signed the notice of appeal, contending that Justice James Omotosho erred in law by failing to address foundational issues that should have affected the competence of the trial.

A key point in Kanu’s appeal concerns the events of September 2017, when his residence at Afara-Ukwu was raided during Operation Python Dance II. He claims the military operation caused deaths, property destruction, and disruption of the original trial, which, in his view, should have been resolved before the proceedings resumed. According to him, the court ignored these issues and continued with the trial, ultimately delivering judgment without first determining whether the proceedings were legally competent.

Kanu further argues that the trial judge erred by refusing or neglecting to hear his pending preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction. He said the objection, supported by affidavits, remained unresolved when the court proceeded to take evidence and deliver judgment.

He also faulted the court for proceeding with his conviction while a pending bail application had not been decided, contending that this undermined the fairness of the process. Additionally, Kanu stated that the court imposed sentence without granting him the opportunity to address it in mitigation - a procedure known as allocutus, meaning relevant mitigating factors were not considered.

In his appeal, Kanu is asking the Court of Appeal to quash his conviction on all counts under charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015. He also seeks an order setting aside the sentences imposed by the trial court and a formal discharge and acquittal on all charges.

Kanu has indicated his intention to be present during the hearing of the appeal, adding that he may conduct the proceedings personally. He said he plans to submit his arguments in writing and also present them orally before the court.

The appeal marks the beginning of another critical stage in a case that continues to attract both national and international attention.