Aloy Ejimakor Urges Patience As Nnamdi Kanu’s Terrorism Appeal Moves Forward

Aloy Ejimakor Urges Patience as Nnamdi Kanu’s Terrorism Appeal Moves Forward

Legal proceedings surrounding the terrorism conviction of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, have entered a new phase, with his counsel Aloy Ejimakor confirming that the appeal process is actively underway.

Ejimakor dismissed circulating rumours suggesting delays or setbacks, insisting that procedural steps are progressing normally ahead of a formal hearing at the Court of Appeal. Speaking on developments, the lawyer explained that the appellate process involves compiling court records, filing briefs by both parties, and administrative preparations before a hearing date can be fixed.

According to him, once all required legal briefs are submitted, the Court of Appeal registry will schedule the matter and notify the parties involved.

He noted that appeals relating to terrorism matters are often prioritised by appellate courts to ensure faster determination of cases.

Ejimakor clarified that the appeal stage differs significantly from trial proceedings.

Unlike proceedings at the Federal High Court, no fresh witnesses or oral evidence will be presented. Instead, lawyers will rely on legal arguments based on existing records. A three-member panel of Appeal Court justices will listen to submissions from both sides, ask questions where necessary, and reserve judgment after arguments are concluded.

The legal team outlined three possible outcomes once judgment is delivered:

• The court may allow the appeal, which could overturn the conviction and discharge the defendant.
• The court may dismiss the appeal, thereby affirming the existing conviction and sentence.
• The court may order a retrial, returning the case to trial status.

Judgment is typically delivered within weeks or months after hearings, but must not exceed the constitutionally allowed timeframe.

Ejimakor urged supporters and the public to disregard speculation circulating online about the appeal, stressing that legal processes require patience and adherence to procedure.

He emphasised that the appeal remains active and progressing within judicial timelines Kanu, leader of the proscribed IPOB movement, is challenging his conviction and life sentence on terrorism-related charges handed down by a Federal High Court in Abuja. His legal team had earlier vowed to contest the verdict through the appellate system.

The case continues to attract national attention due to its political, security and constitutional implications across Nigeria.