Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) who was recently sentenced to life imprisonment, has submitted a fresh motion before the Federal High Court in Abuja, urgently requesting to be transferred out of the Sokoto Custodial Centre.
Kanu personally signed and filed the motion ex parte, arguing that remaining in Sokoto severely limits his ability to adequately prepare and pursue his appeal against his 20 November 2025 conviction.
Kanu Claims Sokoto Detention Is Hindering His Legal Defence
According to Kanu, authorities transferred him to the Sokoto facility on 21 November — over 700 kilometres away from Abuja, where all relevant court processes for his appeal must be undertaken.
He explained that compiling his notice of appeal, meeting deadlines, and obtaining essential court documents require frequent interactions with both the Federal High Court Registry and the Court of Appeal in Abuja.
The distance, he said, makes it nearly impossible to carry out these tasks effectively, thereby violating his constitutional rights under Section 36 to fully challenge his conviction without undue obstacles.
Brother Attempts to Move Motion, Judge Declines
The motion was taken to court by Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, who sought to present it on his behalf.
However, Justice James Omotosho refused to entertain the motion, pointing out that Emmanuel is not a legal practitioner and therefore lacks the legal standing to represent the convict in court.
“This ex parte motion cannot be moved on the convict’s behalf because you are not a legal practitioner,” the judge ruled, advising that Kanu should engage a lawyer or seek assistance from the Legal Aid Council.
Kanu Requests Transfer to Abuja or Nearby Facilities
Kanu is urging the court to order the Federal Government or the Nigerian Correctional Service to transfer him to a custodial facility within Abuja’s jurisdiction.
Alternatively, he suggested facilities in Suleja or Keffi, which are significantly closer and would make it easier for him to participate in preparing court documents and communicating with his legal representatives without unreasonable hardship.
Case Adjourned to December 8
After declining to hear the motion, Justice Omotosho adjourned the case to 8 December 2025.
The judge also addressed circulating misinformation that Kanu must be physically present for the compilation of his appeal record, clarifying that such procedures do not require the convict’s physical attendance.
“The rights of a defendant are different from the rights of a convict,” he stated, emphasising the legal boundaries involved in the process.
Background
Nnamdi Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on 20 November 2025, a ruling that has continued to generate strong public interest and intense national debate.