By Peter Omopo
The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed December 8, 2025, for the hearing of an ex parte motion filed by the jailed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, seeking his transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Facility to a custodial centre closer to Abuja.
The matter was adjourned on Thursday after the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, declined to recognise Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu, who attempted to appear on his behalf despite not being a lawyer.
Judge Rejects Non-Lawyer Representation
When the case was called, Justice Omotosho requested legal representation for the incarcerated IPOB leader. Emmanuel, who is not a legal practitioner, stood to announce his appearance, prompting the judge to rule that the motion could not be moved by anyone who is not a lawyer.
“This ex parte motion cannot be moved on the convict’s behalf because you are not a legal practitioner,” Justice Omotosho said, stressing that only a qualified counsel can represent an individual in court.
He advised Emmanuel to engage a lawyer or seek help from the Legal Aid Council, warning him against attempting to represent his brother.
Background to the Application
Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on November 20, 2025, after being convicted on all seven counts of terrorism charges brought by the Federal Government. Following his sentencing, he was transferred to the Sokoto Correctional Facility, a location the court deemed safer than the Kuje facility, which has witnessed multiple security breaches.
Prior to sentencing, Kanu dismissed his entire legal team and opted to defend himself.
Court Cautions Against Misinformation
Justice Omotosho used the proceedings to address what he described as public misconceptions regarding Kanu’s ability to compile documents for his appeal. The judge referenced a statement credited to one of Kanu’s former lawyers, Aloy Ejimakor, clarifying that the convict does not need to be physically present in court to compile his record of appeal.
“The defendant may not be in court to compile a record,” the judge said. “The rights of a defendant are different from the rights of a convict.”
He further warned lawyers and advisers to avoid misleading the public on appellate procedures.
Kanu’s Motion: Reasons for Seeking Transfer
In the motion ex parte, personally signed by him, Kanu is seeking an order compelling the Federal Government and the Nigerian Correctional Service to transfer him from Sokoto — located over 700 kilometres from Abuja — to a facility within the court’s jurisdiction, such as Suleja or Keffi.
He argued that his current location makes it impossible for him, now without legal representation, to personally prepare and file his appeal against the conviction.
Kanu stated that his relatives, legal consultants, and associates—who are essential to preparing his appeal—are all based in Abuja, making his detention in Sokoto an impediment to exercising his constitutional rights under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution.
Next Steps
Having rejected Emmanuel’s attempt to move the motion, Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter to December 8 for proper hearing once a lawyer is engaged.
The court emphasised that any further delays must not stem from misinformation or non-compliance with legal procedure.
Further updates are expected as the hearing approaches.
