You Must Stay in Sokoto Prison for Life, Abuja Court Rules, Reject Relocation Request
The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed an application filed by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, seeking to be transferred from the Sokoto Correctional Centre to a custodial facility closer to the Federal Capital Territory.
Justice James Omotosho struck out the ex parte motion on Tuesday after the Legal Aid Council, which was representing Kanu, requested permission to withdraw from the case, citing unresolved disagreements with the applicant.
Kanu is currently serving a life sentence following his conviction on terrorism-related charges on November 20, 2025.
His family has rejected the verdict and indicated plans to challenge the judgment on appeal. After sentencing, authorities moved him from the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja to Sokoto, with the court noting that Kuje was unsuitable for his incarceration.
In December 2025, Kanu filed an ex parte motion asking the court to order his relocation to a prison closer to Abuja, proposing facilities in Suleja, Niger State, or Keffi, Nasarawa State.
However, during Tuesday’s proceedings, counsel from the Legal Aid Council, Demdoo Asan, told the court that Kanu’s relatives had failed to appear to complete required documentation supporting the application, despite repeated communication and assurances.
Asan also informed the court that the applicant was attempting to direct how the case should be handled, including dictating what counsel should say in court.
He described the situation as unacceptable and contrary to professional legal practice.
Following consultations with senior officials of the Legal Aid Council, Asan said the organisation resolved to step down from representing Kanu, stressing that a client could not control court proceedings from detention.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho granted the Legal Aid Council permission to withdraw and struck out the ex parte motion. He held that the application lacked competence and noted that no evidence had been presented to show that relevant parties had been properly served since the previous court session in December.
The judge commended counsel for maintaining the integrity of the court and formally closed the matter on procedural grounds.
