By Iyunade Grace
The Appeal Court in Abuja has struck out Nnamdi Kanu’s appeal challenging the dismissal of his fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). The decision was made by a three-member panel of the appellate court, which ruled that Kanu’s claims of rights violations were no longer valid following his conviction and life imprisonment sentence by a Federal High Court on November 20, 2025.
Kanu had alleged that his fundamental rights to human dignity, access to quality healthcare, and freedom of religion were breached by his detention in the DSS facility. However, Justice Boloukuromo Moses Ugo noted that since Kanu’s lawyer confirmed his client was being held in Sokoto prison, the court could no longer grant his request to be transferred to Kuje prison.
The appellate court also held that Kanu’s prayers were no longer feasible after his conviction and remand in prison custody. Justice Ugo added that Kanu had previously expressed a preference for prison custody, so his current requests could no longer be considered.
Kanu’s appeal was against the July 3 judgment by Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which dismissed his fundamental rights enforcement suit for lack of merit. The Appeal Court’s decision has sparked various reactions, with some calling for a political solution to Kanu’s case.
Kanu’s conviction and sentencing have been surrounded by controversy, with human rights lawyers and some politicians questioning the fairness of the trial. The Supreme Court had earlier reinstated terrorism charges against Kanu, and he was sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The development has also sparked concerns about Kanu’s access to legal representation and his ability to pursue an appeal. His lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, has expressed concerns that the court’s refusal to issue a production warrant for Kanu’s appearance in court may undermine his right to a fair hearing.
