Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, lead counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has dismissed widespread speculation over the status of his client’s appeal, insisting that the legal process is progressing in line with established procedures.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, Ejimakor clarified that the appeal had already been formally activated earlier in the year.
“As already known, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s Notice (and Grounds) of Appeal was filed in February 2026. This is the first and most important step that activated the appeal,” he said.
Providing a breakdown of the legal process, the lawyer explained that the case has moved beyond the initial stage, with the compilation and transmission of records already completed.
“Compilation and Transmission of the Record of Appeal: The Registrar of the trial court (Federal High Court, Abuja) must compile the complete ‘Record of Appeal,’” he stated.
“This includes the charge sheet, all court proceedings, exhibits, rulings, the judgment, and the sentence.”
He noted that both the defence and prosecution participated in settling the records, adding that the process was expedited due to the nature of the case.
“Parties (Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers and the prosecution) are usually invited to ‘settle’ the Record… For ‘terrorism-related’ cases, the Practice Direction fast-tracks this… This has been done.”
Ejimakor further explained that the next phase involves the submission of written legal arguments by both parties.
“Next is filing of Briefs of Argument… Appellant’s Brief (Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s side) must file the Brief… within 45 days of receiving the Record,” he said.
Describing the importance of this stage, he added, “This is the written argument setting out the legal arguments on the 22 grounds of appeal and why the conviction should be quashed.”
He explained that the Federal Government would respond within 30 days after receiving the appellant’s brief, with the option of a reply brief if new issues are raised.
“Briefs are thus the main documents the Court of Appeal will read; oral argument at the hearing only clarifies them,” he stated.
On what happens next, Ejimakor said the court would schedule a hearing once all briefs are filed.
“At the hearing, lawyers for both sides shall present oral arguments. The three-man panel of Justices… listens and may ask questions… For ‘terrorism-related’ appeals, the Court often gives priority to speed up the process.”
He stressed that no new evidence would be introduced at this stage.
“To be clear, no oral testimony or evidence… will be allowed.”
According to him, the court would subsequently reserve a date for judgment, which could take weeks or months but would not exceed 90 days after hearing.
He outlined possible outcomes of the appeal, saying, “On the judgment day, the Court will… Allow the appeal… or Dismiss the appeal… or Order a retrial.”
Ejimakor reiterated that the process is already underway and should not be misconstrued.
“It is noteworthy that the appeal is already ‘live’ – the filing of the Notice in February 2026 started the clock,” he said.
“The next visible milestone is the transmission of the Record of Appeal (which has been done), followed by the exchange of Briefs, which is in process.”
He cautioned against misinformation, urging the public to rely on verified developments.
“People should therefore focus on these clear, sequential stages rather than daily rumors… This is the standard, transparent roadmap laid down by Nigerian law.”
He concluded firmly, “The appeal is progressing exactly as the rules require, one procedural step at a time.”
Kanu’s legal battle continues to attract national attention following earlier proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where an application seeking his transfer from custody was dismissed earlier in 2026.
