The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday refused the request by Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu to be transferred from the Sokoto Correctional Centre to a custodial facility closer to the Federal Capital Territory.
Justice James Omotosho held that Kanu’s ex parte application, filed through a Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACoN) lawyer, Demdoo Asan, could not be granted without giving the respondents— the Federal Government and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS)— the opportunity to respond.
Kanu, who was sentenced to life imprisonment on November 20 for terrorism-related offences, had sought a transfer to a custodial centre within Abuja’s vicinity, suggesting Suleja in Niger State or Keffi in Nasarawa State, to facilitate his appeal. His family has rejected the conviction and vowed to challenge it in court.
Earlier, on December 4, Justice Omotosho had declined to hear Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel, who attempted to represent him despite not being a legal practitioner. The court directed that a lawyer be engaged or provided by LACoN.
During Monday’s proceedings, the court struck out Relief One of Kanu’s application, which sought to “compel” the transfer, noting that such an order could not be granted ex parte. The judge emphasized that the Federal Government and NCoS must be notified to respond appropriately.
The court also questioned the validity of a notice of appeal filed by Kanu prior to the delivery of judgment. Asan acknowledged the irregularity and promised to correct it.
The matter has been adjourned to January 27, 2026, to allow the applicant to serve all necessary parties and for the court to hear the application.