The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has filed a notice of appeal challenging his conviction and multiple sentences imposed by the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing the judgment as riddled with fundamental legal errors and a miscarriage of justice.

In the notice of appeal dated February 4, 2026, Kanu said he is contesting his conviction and sentences on seven counts, including terrorism-related offences, for which he received five life sentences and additional prison terms following his conviction on November 20, 2025.

“I, Nnamdi Kanu, the Appellant, having been convicted and sentenced… do hereby give notice of appeal against my conviction,” the document stated.

Kanu was convicted for offences including committing acts preparatory to or in furtherance of terrorism, making broadcasts with intent to intimidate the public, and being the leader and member of IPOB, a proscribed organisation in Nigeria.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered the judgment, sentencing Kanu to five life terms for terrorism-related offences, 20 years’ imprisonment for leading a proscribed organisation, and five years’ imprisonment without an option of fine for importing a radio transmitter without a licence.

In his grounds of appeal, Kanu accused the trial court of failing to address what he described as a “foundational disruption” of the original trial process following the 2017 military operation at his Afara-Ukwu residence in Abia State.

“The learned trial judge erred in law by failing to resolve the procedural and competence consequences of the foundational disruption of the original trial process in September 2017,” Kanu argued.

He further contended that the trial court proceeded to judgment while his preliminary objection challenging the competence of the proceedings remained unresolved.

“The learned trial judge did not hear or determine the objection,” the appeal stated, adding that judgment was delivered while the objection was still pending.

Kanu also faulted the court for delivering judgment while his bail application remained undecided, arguing that this undermined the fairness of the trial.

Additionally, he claimed that he was convicted under a law that had already been repealed, stating that the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013, under which he was sentenced, had been repealed by the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, before judgment was delivered.

He further alleged that his retrial amounted to double jeopardy, contrary to Section 36(9) of the 1999 Constitution, following an earlier ruling by the Court of Appeal which nullified aspects of the case.

Kanu also claimed he was denied fair hearing, alleging that he was not allowed to file or adopt a final written address before judgment was delivered.

Among the reliefs sought, Kanu asked the Court of Appeal to allow the appeal, quash his conviction and sentences, and discharge and acquit him on all counts.

He also informed the appellate court of his intention to be present during the appeal hearing, stating that he may conduct the appeal in person.

Kanu is currently being held at a correctional facility in Sokoto State, after his request to be transferred to a facility in either Niger or Nasarawa State was denied.