RismadarVoice Reporters
September 10, 2026
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has raised concerns over the delay in hearing the appeal filed by its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, challenging his conviction by the Federal High Court.
IPOB, through a statement issued by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, said it was seeking clarification on the status of the appeal and the legal processes filed by parties involved.
The group said the appeal raised critical legal issues, including the applicable law under which Kanu was convicted following the repeal of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013 and the enactment of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
According to IPOB, the transitional provisions of the 2022 legislation should be considered in determining the continuation of proceedings that began under the previous law.
The group also cited the Supreme Court judgment in State v. Egigia (2024) LPELR-62009(SC), which it said addressed the legal implications of repealed legislation.
IPOB stated that these issues formed part of the grounds it expected the Court of Appeal to examine in determining Kanu’s appeal.
The group further alleged that the Federal Government had not filed its brief within the required period, a development it said had created uncertainty over the next stage of the legal process.
IPOB said Kanu, who is representing himself in the appeal, had prepared a 115-page handwritten appellant’s brief containing eight issues for determination.
The group noted that the issues centred on the relevant laws, constitutional provisions guiding criminal proceedings, and the impact of the 2022 terrorism legislation on the case.
It urged the Court of Appeal to list the matter for hearing and resolve the issues raised in accordance with the law.
IPOB also appealed to the international community to monitor the progress of the case, while calling on Nigerian authorities to provide clarity on the status of the appeal.
The group maintained that the outstanding legal questions should be addressed through the judicial process.
