Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, struck out an ex‑parte motion filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), seeking his transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Centre.
The matter was struck out following its withdrawal by Demdoo Asan, a senior legal officer with the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACoN), who had been representing Kanu, currently serving a life sentence at the Sokoto facility.
Upon the case being called, Asan informed the court of his decision to withdraw, citing irreconcilable issues. He explained that although he had maintained regular phone communication with the applicant’s relatives since the last adjourned date, they failed to appear at his office to depose to the application despite repeated assurances.
Asan further disclosed that the applicant sought to dictate the conduct of proceedings, insisting on controlling counsel’s submissions and even attempting to script what should be said in court. He emphasized that, as an officer of the court, he could not ethically accede to such demands.
The counsel added that he had consulted with his superiors at LACoN, who shared his position. He noted that, consistent with their professional obligations, matters brought before them would be handled in accordance with their judgment as legal practitioners. Where an applicant insists otherwise, he concluded, such a person is at liberty to seek representation elsewhere.
… Justice Omotosho Dismisses Ex‑Parte Motion as Kanu’s Counsel Pulls Out Over Irreconcilable Issues … Naijaonpoint.