The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a strong-worded statement following the filing of an appeal by its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, against his terrorism conviction at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
In a press release signed by IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group alleged that the judgment against Kanu was politically motivated and described the court’s decision as unjust. According to the statement, Kanu formally lodged his Notice of Appeal on February 4, 2026, challenging the ruling and his life sentences.
IPOB claimed that the trial process lacked fairness and argued that the decision to transfer Kanu to a distant correctional facility posed challenges to his legal representation and appeal process. The group further accused certain political actors of influencing the judicial outcome, an allegation yet to be officially confirmed by authorities.
The organisation also linked the country’s worsening security challenges to what it described as systemic injustice, alleging that recent attacks in parts of Nigeria highlight broader governance failures. IPOB questioned the federal government’s handling of insecurity and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to reassess its approach to national stability and justice.
Calling for Kanu’s immediate release, the group insisted that lasting peace in Nigeria depends on what it termed “restoration of justice.” It further warned that continued detention could deepen tensions across the country.
As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Government and the judiciary had not issued any official response to the claims made in the statement.
IPOB remains a proscribed organisation under Nigerian law, and security agencies have repeatedly warned against activities linked to the group.