Counsel to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Aloy Ejimakor, has revealed that his client’s appeal against the terrorism charges that led to his conviction is currently underway, following the filing of a notice of appeal in February 2026.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Ejimakor explained that Kanu’s appeal process is progressing according to Nigerian legal procedures.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
He urged the public to ignore rumours and focus on the official steps involved in the appeal process.
According to the lawyer, the first stage of the appeal involved compiling and transmitting the Record of Appeal.
This process was handled by the Registrar of the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the trial took place.
The Record of Appeal includes key documents such as:
• The charge sheet
• All court proceedings
• Exhibits presented during trial
• Court rulings and judgment
• The sentence delivered by the court
Ejimakor said both the defence and prosecution reviewed and agreed on the documents included in the record before it was sent to the Court of Appeal.
The next stage involves the filing of legal briefs by both parties.
Ejimakor explained that Kanu’s legal team must submit the Appellant’s Brief of Argument within 45 days after receiving the Record of Appeal.
The brief will outline 22 grounds of appeal and explain why the conviction should be overturned.
After receiving the defence brief, the Federal Government, as the respondent, will have 30 days to file its own brief.
If necessary, Kanu’s lawyers may also submit a reply brief within 14 days to respond to any new arguments raised by the prosecution.
Once all briefs have been submitted, the Court of Appeal will schedule a hearing date.
During the hearing, lawyers from both sides will present oral arguments before a three-member panel of Court of Appeal justices.
Ejimakor noted that no new witnesses or fresh evidence will be allowed, since appeal courts only review legal arguments based on the original trial record.
The Court of Appeal may deliver one of three decisions:
• Allow the appeal, which would overturn the conviction and sentence
• Dismiss the appeal, meaning the conviction and sentence remain
• Order a retrial, sending the case back for a fresh trial
Ejimakor explained that appeal cases typically take several months from start to finish, although terrorism-related cases may be fast-tracked under special legal practice directions.
He also noted that interim applications, such as a request for bail pending appeal or an accelerated hearing, can be filed during the process.
According to him, the appeal became officially active immediately after the notice of appeal was filed in February 2026.
“The appeal is progressing exactly as the rules require, one procedural step at a time,” Ejimakor said.
