The Federal High Court in Abuja has refused Nnamdi Kanu’s ex parte application to be moved from Sokoto prison to either Kuje or Keffi facility. Rooted in the storm of legal and political tension, Justice James Omotosho directed that the application be converted to a motion on notice and served on all parties.
Key Points
Kanu sought transfer to a custodial centre within the court’s jurisdiction for easier access to his legal team.
The application was filed through the Legal Aid Council without notifying the Federal Government.
Justice Omotosho declined the ex parte request in the interest of justice.
Kanu was ordered to convert the application to a motion on notice for a proper hearing.
The court fixed January 27, 2026, for the hearing of the motion.
Last week, the judge also declined an appearance by Kanu’s non-lawyer brother, Prince Emmanuel.
Kanu remains in Sokoto Correctional Facility as the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In a legal process where every request carries weight, the court’s refusal underscores a fundamental principle: even in stormy cases, procedure must anchor justice.
Sources: Daily Post Nigeria, Legal Aid Council