Kanu appeals conviction, life sentence

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has appealed the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which convicted and sentenced him to life imprisonment for terrorism.

In the appeal dated February 4, 2026, signed by Kanu himself, and publicised by his legal consultant, Aloy Ejimakor, he is asking the Court of Appeal in Abuja to quash his conviction in charge FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015.

He is further asking the appellate court to make an order discharging and acquitting him in respect of all the counts in the charge.

Kanu informed the Court of Appeal that he had been convicted of an act preparatory to or in furtherance of an act of terrorism punishable under Section 1(2)(b) of the Terrorism Prevention  (Amendment) Act, 2013 – sentenced to life imprisonment; and making a broadcast on or about 30/5/2021 received and heard in Nigeria with intent to intimidate the population, issued a deadly threat that anyone who flouted a sit at home order should write his/her will.

Further, Kanu informed the appellate court that that he was sentenced without allocutus and “did not consider relevant mitigation or sentencing factors.”

On November 20, 2025, Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on a seven‑count terrorism charge for his agitation—which turned violent—calling for the secession of the South‑Eastern and South‑South states, and parts of Benue and Kogi, from the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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