The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has rejected an ex-parte motion filed by Nnamdi Kanu. Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), sought immediate relocation from his custody in Sokoto.
Application for Relocation
Kanu submitted the application through the Legal Aid Council. He requested a court order to compel the Federal Government or the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to move him. Specifically, he sought a transfer to a facility closer to Abuja.
His preferred locations included the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja or the Keffi Custodial Centre in Nasarawa. Alternatively, he requested any facility within the court’s jurisdiction, such as Suleja. Kanu argued that this move is necessary to enable him to effectively pursue his appeal.
Justice Omotosho’s Ruling
On Monday, Justice James Omotosho declined to grant the request on an ex-parte basis. The judge ruled that the court could not issue the order without first hearing from the respondents.
Justice Omotosho maintained that the Federal Government and NCoS must be put on notice. This ensures they can respond appropriately in the interest of justice. Consequently, the judge adjourned the hearing to January 27, 2026.
Context of Detention
This legal battle follows a judgment delivered on November 20. The court found Kanu guilty of seven terrorism-related charges and sentenced him to life imprisonment.
Subsequently, authorities moved Kanu to the Sokoto Correctional Facility. Reports indicate this decision was due to safety concerns at the Kuje facility, which has a recorded history of prison breaks.
Challenges with Distance
Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu’s legal consultant, filed the motion for transfer. Kanu personally signed the document.
The legal team outlined eight grounds for the request. They argued that his current detention in Sokoto is over 700 kilometers away from Abuja. They contended that this distance makes it impracticable to prepare his notice of appeal and the necessary records to challenge the conviction.
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