IPOB Rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s Life Sentence, Cites Lack of Legal Basis
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has rejected the Federal High Court’s judgment sentencing its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment for terrorism. IPOB argues Kanu’s advocacy constitutes lawful self-determination, not terrorism—calling the conviction unconstitutional and unsupported by Nigerian law. Spokesperson Emma Powerful stated no arms, explosives, or attack plans were ever linked to Kanu, and stressed that self-determination is protected under international rights conventions. IPOB referenced Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates that only offenses defined in written law can result in conviction. The group said the judgment failed to meet legal standards and ignored precedent from higher courts. Kanu’s broadcasts and directives on Radio Biafra led to charges, but IPOB insists on international monitoring and calls for a UN-supervised referendum. The group promises continued peaceful advocacy and a detailed legal response.