Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has rejected his life imprisonment sentence and called for a review of the judgment, according to a statement from his brother, Kanunta Kanu.

Prince Emmanuel Kanu and Dr. Maxwell Opara reportedly met with Kanu at Sokoto Medium Security Prison on Sunday, following his transfer from the Department of State Services (DSS) facility in Abuja to a correctional centre in Sokoto State on Friday, under directives from President Bola Tinubu’s government.

Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on terrorism charges for issuing a “sit-at-home” order in the South-East, which the court ruled was enforced through threats and violence. He also received concurrent sentences of 20 years and five years on additional counts, with the court citing international concerns over capital punishment in deciding against the death penalty.

According to Kanunta, Kanu maintains that his conviction was without legal basis, noting that no individual can be prosecuted under a repealed law. Kanu emphasized that his final written address, based on the principle of fair hearing, was denied, and that the evidence cited by the court was neither included in the charge sheet nor formally presented during the trial.

Kanu also raised concerns about the court’s reliance on struck-out charges from Justice Binta Nyako, describing this as a significant procedural flaw.

“Upon reviewing the judgment, he identified numerous errors that undermine the validity of his trial,” Kanunta tweeted.

Kanu further urged Nigerian justices, magistrates, and lawyers to carefully examine the judgment and uphold the laws of the land and the Nigerian Constitution. He highlighted the discrepancy between favorable rulings in the Umuahia High Court, Enugu Appeal Court, United Nations, and the Supreme Court, which found the laws under which he was charged to be repealed and in need of amendment, yet were ignored.

“He commended individuals of good conscience who recognized the injustice and rejected it. I am Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who will reject injustice, unfairness, and evil against anybody regardless of tribe, faith, or ethnic background,” Kanunta added.

Kanu expressed gratitude to his supporters, stating:

“Injustice to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is injustice everywhere. I remain thankful for all your support, prayers, and good thoughts. Elohim bless you all.”

The trial attracted national and international attention, with critics alleging political interference. The court linked Kanu’s sit-at-home order to the killing of former presidential aide Ahmed Gulak and accused him of inciting violence through broadcasts.

Justice Kolawole Omotosho described Kanu as “arrogant, cocky, and full of himself,” noting that his rhetoric posed a serious threat to public safety.