IPOB Says FG’s Cross-Appeal Undermines Nnamdi Kanu Conviction

Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has argued that the Federal Government’s cross-appeal in the case involving its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has weakened the legal foundation of the judgment delivered against him by Justice James Omotosho.

In a statement issued on Saturday by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the group said the appeal filed against the November 20, 2025 conviction has elevated the matter beyond Kanu’s personal case, placing the credibility of Nigeria’s judicial system under scrutiny.

According to IPOB, the Federal Government, in its cross-appeal before the Court of Appeal, admitted that the trial court lacked jurisdiction when it imposed a life sentence instead of the death penalty. The group argued that such an admission raises fundamental questions about the validity of the entire judgment.

IPOB maintained that jurisdiction cannot be separated between conviction and sentencing, insisting that if a court lacked jurisdiction to impose a sentence, it could not validly convict in the first place.

“The conviction and sentence are inseparable. If the trial court lacked jurisdiction as alleged by the Federal Government, then there is nothing left to affirm,” the statement said.

The group further contended that the government’s attempt to seek a harsher punishment had inadvertently undermined the judgment it seeks to defend.

Beyond the jurisdictional issue, IPOB claimed that Kanu’s appeal raises several constitutional and procedural concerns, including allegations of denial of fair hearing, failure to determine jurisdictional objections, reliance on repealed laws, withholding of investigative materials, and alleged inconsistencies in the trial court’s findings.

The group stated that the appeal presents multiple legal issues which, it argued, could independently affect the validity of the conviction.

IPOB warned that affirming the judgment despite the issues raised would have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s criminal justice system and could set a precedent affecting future criminal proceedings.

It described the case as a test of constitutional principles, judicial independence, and adherence to established legal standards.

The group called on legal practitioners, human rights organisations, members of the diplomatic community, and the international community to closely monitor the proceedings at the Court of Appeal.

According to IPOB, the outcome of the appeal could significantly impact public confidence in Nigeria’s judiciary and its commitment to constitutional governance.

The Court of Appeal is expected to consider both Kanu’s appeal and the Federal Government’s cross-appeal in the coming proceedings.