(DDM) – Detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu has formally challenged his terrorism conviction and sentences, asking a higher court to overturn the Federal High Court judgment that handed him multiple life terms and additional prison years.
Kanu filed a notice of appeal dated February 4, 2026, where he directly contested both the verdict and the punishments imposed on him.
He argued that the trial court committed serious legal errors and delivered a judgment that amounted to a miscarriage of justice.
The Federal High Court in Abuja convicted Kanu on November 20, 2025, on seven counts tied to terrorism and related offences.
Justice James Omotosho sentenced him to five life imprisonments for terrorism-linked charges.
The court also imposed a 20-year term for his role as leader of IPOB, a group the Nigerian government has proscribed.
The judge added a separate five-year sentence without an option of fine for importing a radio transmitter without a license.
In his appeal, Kanu insisted that the court failed to properly address what he described as a major disruption to the original trial process.
He linked that disruption to the 2017 military operation at his Afara-Ukwu residence, which he believes affected the legal continuity of his case.
Kanu declared in his filing that he would not accept the conviction quietly.
He stated in clear terms that he was exercising his constitutional right to challenge the decision of the lower court.
Legal observers say the appeal opens a new chapter in one of Nigeria’s most closely watched national security cases.
They note that appellate courts will now review whether the trial court followed due process and correctly applied the law.
Kanu’s prosecution has remained politically and socially sensitive since his first arrest and subsequent legal battles.
His supporters view him as a political figure advocating for self-determination.
The federal government, however, has consistently treated his actions as threats to national security and unity.
The appeal process could take months or longer, depending on court schedules and legal arguments.
During this period, Kanu will remain in custody unless a court orders otherwise.
Some analysts believe the case will continue to generate debate about national security laws, free speech, and political dissent in Nigeria.
Others argue that the judiciary must strictly interpret terrorism laws to deter violence and instability.
Human rights advocates have also followed the case closely.
They often raise concerns about fair trial standards and proportional sentencing in terrorism cases.
Government officials have not yet issued a detailed response to the new appeal.
However, past statements show that authorities consider the prosecution lawful and necessary.
The Court of Appeal will ultimately decide whether to uphold, reduce, or overturn the convictions and sentences.
Whatever the outcome, the decision will likely carry political and legal significance across Nigeria.
For now, Kanu’s legal team prepares to argue that the trial court got it wrong.
Prosecutors, on the other hand, will seek to defend the judgment as sound and justified.
The appeal ensures that the Kanu case remains a major issue in Nigeria’s legal and political landscape.
Many Nigerians now watch closely to see how the higher courts will rule on this high-profile challenge.
