Court Sets December 8 for Hearing on Kanu’s Transfer Request

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday fixed December 8, 2025, for the hearing of a request filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, on why he should be moved from the Sokoto Correctional Facility to another prison closer to Abuja.

The request came after Kanu was found guilty on November 20 of all seven terrorism charges brought against him by the Federal Government and was sentenced to life imprisonment. He was moved to the Sokoto prison a day after the judgment, following concerns raised by the court about his safety in Kuje, a centre that has recorded prison breaks in the past.

Before his conviction, Kanu dismissed his legal team and chose to represent himself. The new application, which he personally signed, was filed without a lawyer.

During Thursday’s proceedings, Justice James Omotosho declined to hear the application because Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu, attempted to stand in for him. The judge explained that since Emmanuel is not a lawyer, he cannot speak for a defendant in court. He told him to get a lawyer or approach the Legal Aid Council, adding that only legal practitioners are allowed to handle such matters.

The judge also cautioned against public claims that Kanu must be physically present to compile his record of appeal. He noted that convicts do not need to appear in court for this process, and several lawyers in the courtroom confirmed this view.

Justice Omotosho then adjourned the matter to December 8 to hear the pending request.

In his application, Kanu argued that being held in Sokoto, which is more than 700 kilometres from Abuja, makes it hard for him to prepare his appeal since those who assist him—family members, associates, and consultants—are all based in Abuja. He said he wants to personally handle his appeal and needs access to the court registry and the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

He asked the court to order his transfer to a correctional facility within the court’s jurisdiction or to a nearby centre such as Suleja or Keffi so he can properly work on his appeal. He stated that remaining in Sokoto could make his constitutional right to appeal difficult to exercise.

The court will address his request when the hearing resumes on December 8.