The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected an application by Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), seeking his transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Centre to a facility closer to Abuja.
Nnamdi Kanu was convicted on November 20, 2025, of terrorism-related offences and sentenced to life imprisonment, argued that his detention over 700 kilometres away in Sokoto hindered his ability to effectively prepare and prosecute his appeal.
He requested relocation to a custodial centre within the court’s jurisdiction or nearby areas such as Suleja or Keffi, citing hardship and potential violation of his constitutional rights.
Justice James Omotosho declined to grant the ex parte motion, ruling that it could not be decided without putting the Federal Government and the Nigerian Correctional Service on notice for their input, in the interest of justice and fair hearing.
Earlier attempts to move the application faced setbacks, including the court’s refusal on December 4, 2025, to allow Kanu’s brother, who is not a legal practitioner, to represent him.
The judge adjourned the matter multiple times, but on January 27, 2026, the court struck out the motion due to lack of proof of service and procedural incompetence.
Nnamdi Kanu remains in Sokoto prison as his legal team vows to continue pursuing appellate remedies, including challenges to his conviction. Supporters and his lawyers have described the situation as impeding access to justice, while the decision upholds security considerations that led to his initial transfer from Abuja facilities following concerns over past jailbreaks.
