Okwu-Kanu family asks Court of Appeal to list Kanu’s case, urges NJC to examine conduct of trial judge

The family of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has called for the immediate listing and hearing of his appeal against his conviction and sentence by the Federal High Court, while raising questions over the legal foundation of the judgment.

Prince Emmanuel Kanu, Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother, made the demand on Monday while speaking on behalf of the Okwu-Kanu family.

He also called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to examine the conduct of Justice James Omotosho, who presided over Kanu’s trial at the Federal High Court.

According to the family, Kanu’s conviction on November 20, 2025, raises significant legal questions, particularly regarding the terrorism legislation applied during the proceedings.

The family contends that the conviction relied on provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, including Sections 97 and 98(2), and argues that the relevant transitional provisions concerning the application of the law were not adequately addressed.

Emmanuel also questioned the legal provisions underpinning the various charges against Kanu, as well as issues relating to fair hearing and the sentence imposed on the IPOB leader.

The family further raised questions about the legal effect of the Court of Appeal’s 2022 decision in Kanu’s case and the subsequent Supreme Court order that resulted in the continuation of proceedings against him.

The Okwu-Kanu family said the appeal against the conviction remains unlisted before the Court of Appeal.

It further claimed that the Federal Government’s period for filing its respondent’s brief had expired, and urged the appellate court to proceed with listing the matter for hearing.

The family said it wants the Court of Appeal to consider and determine the legal questions surrounding Kanu’s conviction, including the issues it has raised concerning the legislation applied, the charges, fair-hearing considerations and sentencing.

The latest demand comes as Kanu’s family continues to challenge the legal and procedural circumstances surrounding his prosecution and conviction.

The family urged the judiciary to allow the appeal process to proceed without further delay, stressing the importance of resolving the outstanding legal questions through the appellate process.

The case remains a closely watched legal matter, with its outcome carrying significant implications for Kanu, his family and supporters, as well as the wider debate surrounding his prosecution.