Aloy Ejimakor, counsel to the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has provided an update on the status and next steps in his client’s appeal at the Court of Appeal.
In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, Ejimakor said Kanu’s Notice and Grounds of Appeal were filed in February 2026, formally initiating the appellate process.
He explained that the record of appeal—comprising the charge sheet, proceedings, exhibits, rulings, judgment and sentence—has already been compiled by the registrar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, and transmitted to the Court of Appeal.
According to him, the next stage involves the filing of briefs of argument.
He noted that Kanu’s legal team is expected to file its appellant’s brief within 45 days of receiving the record, outlining arguments across 22 grounds of appeal and seeking to overturn the conviction.
He added that the Federal Government, as respondent, would file its brief within 30 days of being served, after which the defence may submit a reply brief within 14 days if necessary.
Ejimakor said the briefs would form the core of the appeal, with oral arguments at the hearing limited to clarifications, adding that no fresh evidence or witness testimony would be entertained at this stage.
He further stated that once all briefs are filed, the Court of Appeal would fix a hearing date, where a three-member panel of justices would hear arguments from both sides.
Following the hearing, the court is expected to reserve judgment, which may be delivered within weeks or a few months, but not exceeding 90 days.
He outlined possible outcomes of the appeal to include the court allowing the appeal and quashing the conviction, dismissing the appeal and upholding the judgment, or ordering a retrial.
“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 before Justice Omotosho.
“This is the standard, transparent roadmap laid down by Nigerian law, and MNK’s appeal cannot be any different. So, the appeal is progressing exactly as the rules require – one procedural step at a time,” Ejimakor said.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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