The Court of Appeal in Abuja has moved the hearing for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) appeal to October 31.
This appeal challenges the group’s proscription as a terrorist organization by the Federal Government.
The three-judge panel postponed the session to allow both sides time to submit and exchange all necessary documents.
IPOB’s leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently detained, has applied to join the appeal as an interested party.
The appeal targets the 2017 ruling by the late Justice Abdul Abdu-Kafarati of the Federal High Court, which banned IPOB’s activities across Nigeria.
The proscription followed an ex-parte motion filed by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, on behalf of the Federal Government.
In its appeal, IPOB argued that the court’s ruling was unjust and based on incorrect information.
The group insisted that it operates within the law and that its actions are in line with its constitutional rights to self-determination.
It claims that its protests have been peaceful, involving non-violent demonstrations such as marches with placards.
IPOB also highlighted the lack of evidence showing it has engaged in any form of violence.
The group further criticized the original ruling, alleging that the AGF failed to provide accurate information during the 2017 court session, which led to a biased judgment.
IPOB’s appeal called for the appellate court to dismiss the proscription order, arguing that the high court misinterpreted its activities and failed to acknowledge its peaceful nature.
The court instructed all parties involved to ensure that all legal processes are filed and exchanged before the scheduled hearing date.
