By Deborah Nnamdi
Counsel to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Aloy Ejimakor, has confirmed that the appeal filed by his client, Nnamdi Kanu, against his terrorism conviction is actively progressing through the legal system.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ejimakor said the notice of appeal, filed in February 2026, has set in motion a structured legal process that will culminate in a decision by the Court of Appeal of Nigeria.
He explained that the first stage—the compilation and transmission of the Record of Appeal by the Federal High Court, Abuja—has already been completed. The record includes all relevant documents such as court proceedings, exhibits, rulings, judgments, and sentences.
According to him, the next phase involves the filing of briefs of argument. Kanu’s legal team is expected to submit its Appellant’s Brief within 45 days of receiving the record, outlining legal arguments across 22 grounds of appeal and seeking to overturn the conviction. The Federal Government will then file its Respondent’s Brief within 30 days, after which the defence may submit a Reply Brief within 14 days if necessary.
Ejimakor noted that these written briefs form the core of the appeal, with oral arguments at the hearing serving only to clarify issues raised in the documents.
He added that once all briefs are filed, the Court of Appeal will schedule a hearing before a three-member panel of justices. During the hearing, both parties will present oral arguments, but no fresh evidence or witness testimony will be admitted.
Following the hearing, the court is expected to reserve judgment, which must be delivered within 90 days. The court may either uphold the conviction, quash it and discharge Kanu, or order a retrial.
Ejimakor emphasised that terrorism-related appeals are typically fast-tracked under existing practice directions, noting that the entire process could take several months but is expected to proceed swiftly.
He urged the public to disregard speculation and focus on the established legal procedures, stressing that the appeal is progressing in line with Nigerian law and standard judicial processes.
