The legal battle surrounding IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu has taken a fresh turn after the Indigenous People of Biafra claimed that the Federal Government admitted the trial court lacked jurisdiction in parts of the proceedings that led to his conviction and life sentence.
The separatist group made the claim while announcing the filing of Kanu’s appeal at the Court of Appeal in Abuja. The appeal challenges the November 20, 2025 judgment of Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, who convicted Kanu on terrorism-related charges and sentenced him to life imprisonment.
In a statement issued by IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful, the group said its leader’s legal team formally filed its brief of argument on Friday, while the Federal Government also filed a cross-appeal in response.
IPOB argued that the government’s cross-appeal contains an admission that Justice Omotosho acted outside his powers when imposing a life sentence instead of the death penalty prescribed under the charges.
According to the group, the government’s position raises fundamental questions about the validity of the entire judgment.
“The Federal Government has effectively fired a cannon through the heart of the judgment it is simultaneously attempting to defend,” the statement said.
IPOB maintained that jurisdiction cannot be separated from conviction and sentencing, insisting that if a court lacks jurisdiction to impose a sentence, questions inevitably arise about the validity of the conviction itself.
The group further argued that the appeal has evolved beyond Kanu’s personal case and now touches on broader issues relating to constitutional law, judicial credibility and the interpretation of criminal procedure in Nigeria.
Kanu’s lawyers have consistently challenged the judgment, claiming the conviction was founded on provisions of a law that had already been repealed before the ruling was delivered.
IPOB also alleged that the government’s legal strategy had backfired, saying attempts to seek a harsher punishment through its cross-appeal had instead strengthened arguments against the trial court’s decision.
“The Nigerian judiciary now stands at a crossroads,” the group stated, adding that the appeal would test whether established legal principles regarding jurisdiction and criminal convictions would be upheld.
The Federal Government has yet to publicly respond to IPOB’s interpretation of the cross-appeal. The Court of Appeal is expected to determine the merits of both parties’ arguments as proceedings continue.
