The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected the request by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to be moved from Sokoto prison to either Kuje prison in the Federal Capital Territory or Keffi prison in Nasarawa State.
Kanu filed an urgent application through the Legal Aid Council, asking the court to approve the transfer without consulting the Federal Government. He argued that being closer to the court would allow him to pursue his appeal more effectively.
On Monday, Justice James Omotosho turned down the application, stating that the matter should be handled openly to ensure all parties are heard. The judge instructed Kanu to convert his request into a formal motion on notice and serve it to all involved parties. A hearing for the motion is scheduled for January 27, 2026.
Previously, the court had declined to hear from Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel, who tried to represent him despite not being a lawyer. The court’s decision reinforces the need for legal procedures to be followed in matters concerning prison transfers and appeals.