IPOB Challenges UIPC, Says Nnamdi Kanu’s Conviction Was Based On Repealed Law

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has criticised the United Igbo Political Congress (UIPC) over its position on the conviction of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, insisting that the six terrorism charges against him were based on a repealed law.

IPOB made its position known on Wednesday through its media officer, Rev. Chimezie Ochụlọ, in response to a statement issued by the UIPC on October 27, 2026. The statement was signed by High Chief Major (Dr.) C.O.C. Uzor (Rtd.).

The group argued that the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013, which it claimed was used to prosecute Kanu on the six terrorism counts, had been repealed by the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.

According to IPOB, the judgment delivered on November 20, 2025, showed that the repealed legislation was relied upon in convicting its leader.

“The Nigerian Constitution says plain and clear: You cannot jail someone using a law that no longer exists,” the group stated.

IPOB also disagreed with the UIPC’s position that the question of whether Justice James Omotosho violated Section 36(12) of the Nigerian Constitution in convicting Kanu should be determined by a competent court, particularly the Court of Appeal.

The group maintained that the alleged use of a repealed law raised serious questions about the legal foundation of the conviction and should not be dismissed as an issue that could only be addressed through the appellate process.

IPOB Raises Concerns Over Kanu’s Appeal

Beyond the legal arguments surrounding the conviction, IPOB expressed concern over what it described as delays in the hearing of Kanu’s appeal.

The group alleged that Kanu filed his appeal on February 4, 2026, and served the government with the relevant court documents on June 5, 2026.

However, IPOB claimed that the government had yet to file its response and that the court had not scheduled a date for the hearing.

It further disclosed that lawyers and members of Kanu’s family wrote letters on August 18 to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the President of the Court of Appeal and the Chief Registrar, seeking their intervention over the alleged delay.

According to the group, no responses had been received to the letters as of the time it issued its statement.

IPOB questioned the pace of the proceedings, comparing the alleged delay in scheduling Kanu’s current appeal with earlier court proceedings concerning his release.

The group accused the UIPC of failing to address these concerns in its statement, arguing that any discussion about due process should also take into account the progress of the appeal.

IPOB Rejects UIPC’s Position

IPOB also criticised the UIPC for including a disclaimer stating that its position did not constitute a legal opinion on pending court cases.

The group said it disagreed with the organisation’s approach to the controversy surrounding Kanu’s conviction and urged its supporters to reject the UIPC’s position.

The disagreement highlights differing views among groups concerned with Igbo affairs over how the legal issues surrounding Kanu’s conviction should be addressed.

Kanu was convicted in November 2025 and sentenced to life imprisonment in a terrorism-related case. His conviction and the legal arguments surrounding it remain central to the ongoing controversy over his prosecution.

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