Nnamdi Kanu Appeals Life Sentence, Faults Trial Process, Says Bail Application Was Ignored

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has lodged a formal appeal challenging the life sentence imposed on him by the Federal High Court in Abuja. The appeal follows the November 20, 2025 judgment that convicted him on terrorism-related offences brought by the Federal Government.

Kanu filed a 22-ground notice of appeal in which he argued that the trial court committed multiple legal errors that resulted in a miscarriage of justice. Ejes Gist News reports that the IPOB leader personally signed the appeal documents, seeking to overturn both his conviction and sentence.

The appellant contended that Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case, proceeded with the trial in disregard of unresolved legal issues that questioned the competence of the entire proceedings.

Also Read: From Prison to Global Recognition: Jailed IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu Granted US Citizenship

Grounds of Appeal

Kanu’s legal challenge centers on what he described as fundamental procedural flaws in the conduct of his trial. He argued that the court failed to determine critical preliminary matters before proceeding to hear evidence and deliver judgment.

Among the key issues raised in the appeal are:

• Failure to determine the legal impact of the disruption of his earlier trial process in 2017
• Non-determination of pending preliminary objections challenging the court’s jurisdiction
• Proceeding to judgment while his bail application remained unresolved
• Imposition of sentence without granting him the right of allocutus
• Delivery of what he termed an excessive and unlawful life sentence

Operation Python Dance II Disruption

In the first ground of appeal, Kanu revisited the events surrounding the September 2017 military operation known as Operation Python Dance II. He told the appellate court that the operation, which took place at his residence in Afara-Ukwu, Abia State, disrupted his initial trial.

According to him, the invasion by security agents led to deaths, destruction of property, and the collapse of the earlier proceedings. He argued that the trial court was legally bound to determine how that disruption affected the competence of the case before proceeding further.

“The said operation resulted in deaths and destruction and triggered disruption of the earlier proceedings,” Kanu stated in his appeal papers.

He maintained that the trial court delivered judgment without resolving these foundational legal questions, a step he described as a grave procedural error.

Pending Objections Ignored

Kanu further argued that Justice Omotosho erred by refusing to hear and determine his preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court.

“The Learned Trial Judge did not hear or determine the objection. The court proceeded with evidence and delivered judgment while the objection remained pending and undetermined,” he submitted.

Legal analysts note that jurisdictional objections are typically treated as threshold issues that must be resolved before a substantive trial can proceed.

Bail Application Overlooked

Another major complaint in the appeal concerns Kanu’s pending bail application at the time of his conviction. He argued that the trial court proceeded to deliver judgment without first ruling on the application.

The appellant maintained that this omission undermined the fairness of the entire process and violated his constitutional rights.

Sentencing Procedure Challenged

Kanu also faulted the sentencing process adopted by the trial court. He asserted that he was not given the opportunity to make an allocutus, which allows a convicted person to plead for leniency before sentencing.

“Upon conviction, the Appellant was not afforded the opportunity to address the court in mitigation (allocutus). Sentence was imposed without allocutus. The court did not consider relevant mitigation or sentencing factors,” he stated.

He described the life sentence handed down as disproportionate, excessive, and contrary to law.

Reliefs Sought from Court of Appeal

In his appeal, Kanu asked the Court of Appeal to nullify the entire judgment of the Federal High Court delivered in case number FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015.

Specifically, he requested the appellate court to grant the following reliefs:

1. An order quashing his conviction on all counts
2. An order setting aside the life sentence imposed by the trial court
3. An order discharging and acquitting him of all charges

Intention to Appear in Person

Kanu informed the appellate court of his desire to be physically present when the appeal is heard. He also indicated his intention to argue parts of the case himself.

“I desire to put my case and argument into writing and also adopt my argument orally in the court on the hearing of the appeal,” he stated.

The appeal sets the stage for a renewed legal battle over one of Nigeria’s most contentious criminal trials in recent years. The Court of Appeal is expected to determine whether the issues raised are sufficient to overturn the conviction and life sentence imposed by the lower court.