Nnamdi Kanu’s appeal against terrorism conviction progresses as legal process moves to appellate stage...

Counsel to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, Aloy Ejimakor, has said his client’s appeal against his terrorism conviction is progressing through the legal process.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ejimakor disclosed that the notice of appeal filed in February 2026 had already activated the appellate procedure.

CBI News reports that he urged supporters to rely on established legal processes rather than speculation, stressing that the appeal would follow defined stages until it is determined by the Court of Appeal.

“People should therefore focus on these clear, sequential stages rather than daily rumours or believing that the appeal process will follow the same pattern and procedure seen in the High Court before Justice Omotosho,” he said.

Ejimakor explained that the first stage the compilation and transmission of the Record of Appeal by the Federal High Court in Abuja has already been completed.

The record, he said, includes key documents such as the charge sheet, proceedings, exhibits, rulings, judgment, and sentence from the trial court.

“For terrorism-related cases, the Practice Direction fast-tracks this… This has been done,” he added.

According to him, the next phase involves the filing of briefs of argument by both parties.

Kanu’s legal team is expected to submit its Appellant’s Brief within 45 days, outlining 22 grounds of appeal and reasons the conviction should be overturned.

The Federal Government will then file its Respondent’s Brief within 30 days, after which Kanu’s team may submit a Reply Brief within 14 days if necessary.

Ejimakor noted that these written submissions would form the core of the appellate court’s deliberations.

Once filings are completed, the court will fix a hearing date, where both sides will present oral arguments before a three-member panel of justices.

He clarified that no fresh evidence would be admitted at this stage.

“To be clear, no oral testimony or evidence (such as was done in the High Court) will be allowed,” he said.

After the hearing, the court is expected to deliver judgment within 90 days.

Ejimakor outlined possible outcomes, stating the court may quash the conviction and discharge Kanu, uphold the conviction, or order a retrial.

He emphasised that the appeal is already active.

“It is noteworthy that the appeal is already ‘live’; the filing of the notice in February 2026 started the clock,” he said.

He added that terrorism-related appeals are often prioritised and may proceed faster under existing legal guidelines.