Abayomi Susan
A Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out Nnamdi Kanu’s motion seeking transfer from Sokoto Correctional Centre, where he is currently detained. Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), had filed the motion arguing that his detention in Sokoto, over 700 kilometers from Abuja, would hinder his ability to effectively pursue an appeal against his conviction.
Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on November 20, 2025, for terrorism-related offenses and was subsequently transferred to Sokoto Correctional Centre. He sought to be transferred to a facility closer to Abuja, such as Suleja or Keffi, to facilitate his appeal process .
The court, led by Justice James Omotosho, ruled that the application was incompetent, citing lack of proof that relevant parties had been served. The judge also noted that Kanu’s notice of appeal was filed before the judgment, rendering it invalid.
Kanu’s lawyer, Demdoo Asan from the Legal Aid Council, withdrew from the case, citing irreconcilable differences with Kanu. Asan stated that Kanu had attempted to dictate how the case should be handled, which was unacceptable.
The court’s decision means Kanu will remain in Sokoto Correctional Centre as he pursues his appeal. His defense team has vowed to appeal the ruling, arguing that it does not address the alleged defects in the conviction.The case highlights the complexities of Nigeria’s judicial system, with Kanu’s detention and appeal process drawing significant attention.
