Court declines Kanu’s request to be moved from Sokoto prison

The Federal High Court in Abuja has refused a request brought by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, asking to be relocated from the Sokoto Correctional Centre to a custodial facility closer to Abuja.

Kanu, who is serving a life sentence after his conviction on terrorism-related charges in November, had urged the court to direct the authorities to transfer him to either Suleja or Keffi, locations he argued would make it easier for him to pursue his appeal.

Court dismisses Kanu’s ex parte transfer request

His lawyer from the Legal Aid Council, Demdoo Asan, presented the request through an ex parte motion, but Justice James Omotosho held that such an application could not be considered without hearing from the Federal Government and the Nigerian Correctional Service.

The judge stressed that a move of that nature required both sides to be notified, particularly since the order sought would place an obligation on the respondents.

During the proceedings, the court also queried the validity of the notice of appeal on record, discovering that it was dated before judgment was delivered.

Motion adjourned for proper legal notice and response

Kanu’s counsel explained that he had only recently been assigned to the case and would take steps to regularise all necessary documents.

Justice Omotosho further recalled that earlier attempts by Kanu’s younger brother to represent him in court had been rejected because he is not a lawyer, prompting the directive for proper legal representation.

The matter has now been adjourned to 27 January 2026, allowing time for the respondents to be served and for the motion to be heard through the appropriate legal process.