“I Can’t Stay in Sokoto Prison” – Nnamdi Kanu Pleads for Transfer to Court

 

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and recently sentenced to life imprisonment, has filed a new motion at the Federal High Court in Abuja, requesting a transfer from the Sokoto Custodial Centre. Kanu personally signed the motion ex parte, arguing that remaining in Sokoto would hinder his ability to effectively pursue an appeal against his conviction on 20 November 2025.

Detention in Sokoto ‘Impeding My Appeal’

Kanu explained that he was moved to Sokoto on 21 November, over 700 kilometres from Abuja, where his appeal must be processed. He noted that preparing his notice of appeal and accessing court records requires direct interaction with the Federal High Court Registry and the Court of Appeal. Kanu argued that the distance makes these procedures nearly impossible, infringing on his constitutional right under Section 36 to challenge his conviction properly.

Brother Attempts Motion, Court Declines to Hear

Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, presented the motion in court. However, Justice James Omotosho refused to hear it, stating Emmanuel is not a legal practitioner and cannot represent the convict. The judge advised Kanu to engage a lawyer or seek assistance from the Legal Aid Council.

“This ex parte motion cannot be moved on the convict’s behalf because you are not a legal practitioner,” the judge said.

Kanu Requests Transfer to Abuja or Nearby Centers

In the motion, Kanu is seeking relocation to a facility within Abuja or, alternatively, a closer centre such as Suleja or Keffi, to allow him to access appeal records without undue difficulty.

Court Adjourns Case

After declining to take the application, Justice Omotosho adjourned the case to 8 December 2025. He also warned against spreading false claims that Kanu must be physically present for his appeal records to be compiled, emphasizing that such procedures do not require the convict’s attendance.

“The rights of a defendant are different from the rights of a convict,” the judge noted.

Background

Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on 20 November 2025, a decision that has drawn significant public attention.

Source: gistreel.com