Kanu’s Lawyer Vows to Appeal Life Sentence, Challenges Conviction

In the wake of the Federal High Court’s landmark ruling sentencing Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment on terrorism-related charges, Kanu’s legal team has announced plans to challenge the judgment in higher courts.

Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu’s lead counsel, described the verdict delivered by Justice James Omotosho as “a travesty of justice” and vowed that the defence would immediately pursue an appeal. Speaking to reporters outside the court, Ejimakor said the team believes the conviction was based on “mere spoken words” from broadcasts, rather than evidence of any direct involvement in violent acts.

“We are heading to the Court of Appeal to contest this judgment,” Ejimakor stated. “If necessary, we will take the matter to the Supreme Court. This verdict lacks logic, is overbroad, cruel, and unusual.

Advocating for self-determination should not be treated as terrorism.”

The lawyer highlighted that Kanu’s broadcasts, often cited by prosecutors, were delivered from locations never legally linked to any act of violence. He argued that the sentencing raises critical questions about the application of Nigeria’s anti-terrorism laws, particularly regarding freedom of speech and expression.

Under Nigerian law, the defence has 90 days to file an appeal, which will first be considered by the Court of Appeal. Should the appellate court uphold the conviction, the case may proceed to the Supreme Court, offering a final legal review.

Observers note that the appeal process could reshape the outcome of Kanu’s trial, potentially overturning or reducing the life sentence. Legal analysts also point out that the case highlights broader tensions in Nigeria over the line between speech advocating for political or regional autonomy and acts defined as terrorism.

The ruling has already ignited political and social debate, with IPOB supporters expressing outrage and critics emphasizing the government’s stance on national security.

As the legal battle moves to the Appeal court, it is expected to remain a flashpoint in Nigeria’s political and ethnic discourse.