Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has vowed to challenge the recent decision by Nigeria’s Court of Appeal, which upheld the federal government’s 2017 designation of IPOB as a terrorist organization.

The ruling, made public on Thursday, confirmed the controversial proscription of IPOB, which has been campaigning for an independent Biafra from Nigeria.

Kanu, currently held in detention by the State Security Service (SSS), made the declaration during a meeting with his legal team, led by prominent lawyer Aloy Ejimakor.

The legal team expressed strong dissatisfaction with the decision, arguing that the process leading to IPOB’s outlawing was fundamentally flawed.

One of the primary concerns raised by Kanu’s lawyers is that the proscription was issued following an ex parte application by the government, denying IPOB the chance to defend itself in court. Furthermore, they pointed out that the order was signed by the late Abba Kyari, the then Chief of Staff, instead of the president, as the law requires.

Although the Court of Appeal acknowledged these procedural issues, it upheld the proscription on the grounds of national security. Kanu’s legal team, however, questions the extent of the national security threat posed by IPOB in 2017, particularly given the lack of concrete evidence of such a threat at the time. The team also argues that the decision unfairly targets the Igbo people.

Beyond the proscription ruling, Kanu is also facing terrorism charges in the Federal High Court, though his legal team insists that the Court of Appeal decision will not impact his ongoing trial. They are determined to appeal the case to the Supreme Court for a final determination on IPOB’s status.

Ejimakor further warned against prematurely branding Kanu or IPOB as terrorists. He emphasized that until a final ruling is made by the Supreme Court or Kanu is convicted, those who label him or IPOB as such could face legal consequences.