Court Rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s Request to Be Transferred from Sokoto Prison

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed an application by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), seeking to be transferred from Sokoto Correctional Centre to a facility closer to the nation’s capital

The trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, refused the ex-parte motion on Monday, noting that such an order could not be issued without hearing from the Federal Government. Consequently, the judge directed that the application be converted into a formal “motion on notice” to allow all concerned parties to respond. The matter has been adjourned for hearing on January 27, 2026 Kanu, who was sentenced to life imprisonment on November 20, 2025, requested the transfer citing the distance from Abuja as a hindrance to effectively prosecuting his appeal. He argued that being detained over 700 kilometres away in Sokoto obstructs his constitutional right to appeal and restricts access to his legal team, associates, and family. During proceedings, the court also rejected Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, from representing him, stating that only a qualified legal practitioner could act on his behalf. The judge advised Kanu’s team to seek proper legal representation or approach the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria. Supporters and associates of Kanu have criticized the transfer, describing it as punitive and politically motivated. Clerics and civil society groups have raised concerns that keeping Kanu far from Abuja limits his access to legal counsel and may impede the fair appeal of his conviction. The Federal Government has yet to comment on the court’s ruling.