Nnamdi Kanu's Appeal in Motion, Lawyer Urges Public to Ignore Rumors
Aloy Ejimakor, the legal counsel representing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has provided a detailed update on his client's appeal against terrorism charges that resulted in a conviction and sentence. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ejimakor emphasized that the appeal process is actively progressing and urged the public to disregard unfounded rumors while focusing on the established legal procedures.
Appeal Process Underway Since February 2026
According to Ejimakor, the notice of appeal was formally filed in February 2026, initiating a structured sequence of legal steps that will culminate in a final decision by the Court of Appeal. He stressed that this process differs significantly from the proceedings in the High Court before Justice Omotosho, and people should not expect identical patterns or timelines.
The first critical step, the Compilation and Transmission of the Record of Appeal, has already been completed. The Registrar of the Federal High Court in Abuja compiled the comprehensive record, which includes essential documents such as the charge sheet, all court proceedings, exhibits, rulings, judgment, and the sentence. In terrorism-related cases, a Practice Direction expedites this phase, ensuring a swift transmission to the Court of Appeal Registry.
Key Stages in the Appeal Procedure
Ejimakor outlined the subsequent stages that will follow:
- Filing of Briefs of Argument: Once the Record is received, Kanu's legal team must file the Appellant's Brief within 45 days. This voluminous document, often spanning tens of pages, presents the legal arguments based on 22 grounds of appeal and explains why the conviction should be overturned.
- Respondent's Brief: The Federal Government, as the Respondent, then has 30 days after being served with Kanu's Brief to file its own response. If necessary, Kanu's lawyers may submit a Reply Brief within 14 days to address any new points raised by the prosecution.
- Hearing and Judgment: After all Briefs are filed, the Court of Appeal Registry schedules a hearing date. A three-man panel of Justices will listen to oral arguments from both sides, which primarily serve to clarify the written Briefs. Notably, no oral testimony or new evidence will be permitted during this stage. Following the hearing, the Court reserves judgment, typically within a few weeks to months, but not exceeding 90 days for terrorism-related appeals, which are prioritized for speed.
Potential Outcomes and Finality
On the judgment day, the Court of Appeal may:
- Allow the appeal, quashing the conviction and sentence, and discharging or acquitting Kanu.
- Dismiss the appeal, upholding the conviction and sentence.
- Order a retrial, which would restore Kanu to an unconvicted status and provide another opportunity for legal proceedings.
The judgment will be delivered in open court and represents the final decision unless further appealed to the Supreme Court. Ejimakor noted that while the entire process from Record to judgment usually takes several months, terrorism-related cases under the Practice Directions are expected to move more rapidly.
Clarification on Interim Applications and Progress
Ejimakor highlighted that interim applications, such as those for bail pending appeal, amendment of grounds, or accelerated hearing, can be submitted at any time during the process. He reassured that the appeal is already "live" since the Notice was filed in February 2026, with the next visible milestone being the exchange of Briefs, which is currently in progress.
"People should therefore focus on these clear, sequential stages rather than daily rumors or believing that the appeal process will follow the same pattern and procedure seen in the High Court," Ejimakor stated. "This is the standard, transparent roadmap laid down by Nigerian law, and Kanu's appeal cannot be any different. So, the appeal is progressing exactly as the rules require – one procedural step at a time."
