The Indigenous People of Biafra is asking the Court of Appeal to throw out the Federal Government’s cross-appeal in Nnamdi Kanu’s case, saying the government’s own filing proves the trial court had no power to sentence him.
In a statement Sunday by spokesperson Emma Powerful, IPOB argued that the FG’s Notice of Cross-Appeal against Justice J.K. Omotosho’s Nov 20, 2025 judgment admits the Abuja Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction when it handed Kanu life sentences on some counts.
IPOB says Kanu accepts that point completely: “If the trial Court acted without jurisdiction at the sentencing phase, then the entire sentencing exercise is a nullity ab initio.” The group insists jurisdiction can’t be split – you can’t convict someone then claim no power to sentence them. They cited the 1962 Supreme Court case Madukolu v. Nkemdilim, which says anything done without jurisdiction is void.
They also accused the FG of trying to have it both ways: admitting the sentencing was flawed while still asking the Appeal Court to impose the death penalty. “The FG cannot approbate and reprobate… This is legal gymnastics born of desperation,” the statement read.
IPOB claimed the cross-appeal is really pressure to make Kanu drop Biafra agitation, but “the Lion of Biafra remains unbowed.” They urged the Appeal Court to dismiss the FG’s application with “ignominy” and grant Kanu’s main appeal for immediate, unconditional release.
