Kanu loses prison transfer bid as lawyer quits

A federal high court in Abuja has struck out a motion by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), seeking his transfer from Sokoto correctional facility.

The IPOB leader was remanded in Sokoto prison following his conviction on a seven-count terrorism-related charge by a federal high court in Abuja on November 20, 2025.

In an ex parte motion, Kanu is seeking “an order compelling the complainant (federal government) and/or the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to forthwith transfer him from the Sokoto Correctional Facility to a custodial facility within the jurisdiction of this honourable court”.

Alternatively, he sought an order transferring him to the court’s “immediate environs, such as the Suleja or the Keffi Custodial Centre, for the purpose of enabling the applicant (Kanu) to effectively prosecute his constitutionally guaranteed right of appeal”.

Previously, the court had ruled that the application could not be brough through ex parte and consequently ordered that the respondents including the federal government and NCoS, be served with a motion on notice for them to respond in the interest of justice.

At the resumed court session on Tuesday, Demdoo Asan, a senior legal officer of Legal Aid Council who was representing Kanu, informed the court of his decision to withdraw from the matter, citing some irreconcilable issues.

“Since the last adjourned date, I have been on constant phone communication with the relatives of the applicant,” he said.

“However, the relatives of the applicant didn’t show up at our office to depose to the application. Despite phone calls and promises to show up.

“Also, the applicant wants to dictate the tune of the matter; he wants to control what counsel would say. He wants to write down what I would say while in court. But, as an officer of the court, I can’t, in good faith, accept that.”

Demdoo said he consulted with his superiors and they shared the same sentiments.

Consequently, he sought to withdraw his appearance as counsel for Kanu.

James Omotosho, the presiding judge, commended the counsel for upholding the dignity of the court.

“Having listened to counsel from the Legal Aid Council, I will grant leave for the counsel and the legal aid generally, to withdraw from representing the defendant convict” Omotosho said.

“To the application itself, the motion was incompetent. However, in the interest of justice and fairness, this court directed that other parties involved in the matter be served on notice.

“But, since the last court sitting, December 8,2025, until today, January 27, there is no proof of service before this court.

“The motion ex parte is struck out for lacking competence.” (The Cable)

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