IPOB Gives FG 14-Day Ultimatum To List And Hear Nnamdi Kanu’s Appeal

IPOB Gives FG 14-Day Ultimatum to List and Hear Nnamdi Kanu’s Appeal The Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB has given the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to ensure the listing and hearing of Nnamdi Kanu’s pending appeal. IPOB issued the ultimatum amid renewed concerns over delays in the hearing of Kanu’s appeal against his conviction and life sentence. The group’s Head of Directorate of State, Mazi Chris Nwaogu, announced the position in a video broadcast, accusing the Federal Government of failing to file its respondent’s brief and take steps to advance the appeal. Nwaogu said IPOB would consider mobilising for a boycott of the 2027 general elections across the South-East and other areas it refers to as Biafraland if the government failed to act within 14 days. Kanu’s family had recently appealed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the President of the Court of Appeal for the immediate listing and hearing of his pending cases. The separatist leader’s legal battle dates back to his arrest in 2015 on terrorism-related and other charges. In October 2022, the Court of Appeal in Abuja discharged and acquitted him, citing, among other issues, concerns surrounding the circumstances of his return to Nigeria after he was arrested in Kenya in 2021. The Supreme Court later overturned the Court of Appeal’s decision, while Kanu’s legal battle continues through the appellate process. IPOB also criticised the handling of the case by the Nigerian judiciary and challenged aspects of the Supreme Court’s judgment. The group said its proposed election boycott would be considered if the Federal Government failed to ensure that Kanu’s appeal is listed within the 14-day period.