[JUST IN]: Fresh Twist As Nnamdi Kanu Files 22-Ground Appeal Against Terrorism Conviction, Alleges Trial Errors (Full Details)

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Detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has approached the Court of Appeal in Abuja to challenge his terrorism conviction and life sentences delivered by the Federal High Court on November 20, 2025.

The appeal, filed on February 4, 2026, seeks to overturn his conviction on seven terrorism-related counts bordering on alleged broadcasts, incitement, bomb-making directives and unlawful importation of a radio transmitter. The trial court had imposed multiple life sentences to run concurrently.

Defence Narrows Appeal To 22 Key Issues

Kanu’s legal team said the Notice of Appeal contains 22 grounds drawn from a broader legal review that identified numerous alleged procedural and legal shortcomings during the trial. The defence explained that the issues were streamlined to present a concise but comprehensive challenge before the appellate court.

They argued that the filing focuses on what they described as cumulative errors that may have affected the fairness of the proceedings.

Core Issues Highlighted In Appeal

Military Operation and Absence From Nigeria:
The appeal questions how the trial court interpreted events following the 2017 military operation at Kanu’s residence, arguing that his departure from the country was portrayed negatively without proper legal consideration of the circumstances.

Alleged Fair Hearing Breaches:
Lawyers claim constitutional fair hearing provisions were violated, citing unresolved preliminary objections, an undecided bail application and claims that judgment was delivered without allowing the defence to submit a final written address.

Evidentiary Concerns Raised:
The defence contends that no direct victims testified to violence or intimidation and that no physical evidence was presented to prove alleged bomb-making activities. They argue the conviction did not satisfy the legal requirement of proof beyond reasonable doubt.

Claims Of Extraneous Issues In Judgment:
Kanu’s lawyers also argue that the trial court relied on matters not contained in the formal charges, including references to alleged foreign diplomatic incidents which they say were neither pleaded nor proven in court.

Statutory And Sentencing Questions:
The appeal challenges the application of a terrorism statute allegedly repealed before judgment and disputes the legality of sentencing on the radio transmitter charge, which the defence says is statute-barred and exceeded the maximum penalty under the law.

Next Stage Of Proceedings

The Court of Appeal is expected to compile and review the Record of Appeal before fixing hearing dates. The case is anticipated to attract nationwide attention as it revisits questions surrounding due process, evidentiary standards and judicial conduct in high-profile terrorism prosecutions.

Prosecuting authorities and government officials are yet to issue an official reaction to the appeal as of the time of this report.