Aloy Ejimakor, counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, says the appeal challenging his client’s terrorism conviction is progressing in line with legal procedures.
Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, filed his notice of appeal in February 2026, formally triggering the process now underway at Nigeria’s appellate courts.
In a statement on Wednesday, Ejimakor urged the public to ignore speculation and instead follow the clearly defined stages guiding the appeal.
He revealed that the first critical step, the compilation and transmission of the Record of Appeal by the Federal High Court in Abuja has already been completed. This record contains all case materials, including filings, rulings, exhibits, and the judgment delivered by James Omotosho.
According to him, the case has now moved to the briefing stage. Kanu’s legal team is expected to file its Appellant’s Brief within 45 days, outlining arguments across 22 grounds seeking to overturn the conviction.
Once served, the Federal Government will file its response within 30 days, while Kanu’s lawyers may submit a reply within 14 days if new issues arise.
Ejimakor stressed that these written briefs are central to the appeal, as they form the basis of the court’s decision, with oral arguments only providing clarification during the hearing.
He explained that after all filings are completed, the Court of Appeal will fix a hearing date before a three-member panel of justices. Unlike proceedings at the trial court, no fresh evidence or witnesses will be entertained at this stage.
Following the hearing, the court is expected to deliver judgment within 90 days.
The court may either quash the conviction and discharge Kanu, uphold the ruling, or order a retrial.
Ejimakor noted that terrorism-related cases are typically fast-tracked under existing legal guidelines, meaning the process could move faster than standard appeals.
He also confirmed that the appeal is already “live”, with the next major milestone being the exchange of legal briefs, which is currently ongoing.
“The appeal is progressing exactly as required one procedural step at a time,” he said.
