RismadarVoice Reporters
October 20, 2026
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on the British Government to engage Nigerian authorities over the delayed hearing of the appeal filed by its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, following his conviction on terrorism-related charges.
The group argued that Britain’s responsibility towards its citizens abroad should include diplomatic engagement where concerns arise over due process, fundamental rights and the administration of justice.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 19, and signed by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB urged British authorities to seek clarification from the Nigerian Government regarding the legal proceedings involving Kanu.
The separatist group maintained that its request was not intended to undermine Nigeria’s judicial independence but to encourage the timely determination of the appeal through established legal procedures.
IPOB raised concerns about Kanu’s return to Nigeria from Kenya in June 2021, describing the circumstances of his transfer as unlawful.
It referred to a 2022 opinion by the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which called for Kanu’s release and raised concerns about the circumstances of his detention.
The group also questioned the implications of the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on October 13, 2022, which discharged Kanu and challenged the legality of his transfer to Nigeria.
However, the Supreme Court subsequently overturned that judgment in December 2023, allowing the Federal Government’s prosecution to continue.
IPOB further challenged the legal foundation of Kanu’s conviction in November 2025, arguing that the applicable terrorism legislation and the treatment of certain charges raised constitutional questions requiring judicial examination.
The group cited Section 36(12) of the Nigerian Constitution, which requires criminal offences and their penalties to be defined in written law.
It also questioned whether some charges considered during the proceedings had previously been disposed of by appellate courts.
These arguments remain positions advanced by IPOB and Kanu’s supporters, rather than findings establishing that his conviction was unlawful.
Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment in November 2025 following his conviction on terrorism-related charges. His legal team has challenged the judgment.
IPOB urged the British Government to use diplomatic channels to encourage the prompt listing and hearing of his appeal, alongside related legal proceedings.
The group maintained that a timely judicial determination would help address outstanding questions surrounding the case while respecting Nigeria’s legal institutions.
There has been no confirmed announcement that the British Government has accepted IPOB’s latest request or initiated a new diplomatic intervention in response.
