Nnamdi Kanu Fights Life Sentence, Appeals Terrorism Conviction
IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu has officially filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, challenging his life imprisonment sentence and terrorism convictions handed down by the Federal High Court in November 2025.
In the Notice of Appeal dated February 4, 2026, Kanu, through appeal number CA/ABJ/CR/…/2026, is seeking the reversal of the judgment in Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, which found him guilty on seven counts of terrorism-related offences.
The charges against Kanu included acts preparatory to terrorism under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013, and broadcasting threats to intimidate the population during a sit-at-home order in May 2021. The trial court sentenced him to life imprisonment on all counts.
In the appeal, Kanu contends that the trial court erred in law and procedure by:
- Failing to grant him allocutus, the right to address the court before sentencing.
- Ignoring mitigating factors and essential considerations before imposing the maximum penalty.
He is requesting the Court of Appeal to quash his convictions entirely, set aside the life sentence, and grant any other relief deemed just. The appeal lists Kanu as the appellant and the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the respondent.
Currently detained at Sokoto Prison, this filing marks the latest legal step by Kanu in his ongoing battle against the verdict and the severity of his sentence, as he continues to contest the Federal High Court’s ruling.
SOURCE : NaijaRush Assignment Desk
