Dare Babalola
The Federal High Court in Abuja has denied an application filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB, seeking his transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Centre to a custodial facility within the Federal Capital Territory or the neighbouring Nasarawa State.
Kanu, through the Legal Aid Council, had approached the court with an ex-parte application requesting an order directing the Federal Government or the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to immediately move him from Sokoto to either Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja or Keffi Custodial Centre in Nasarawa.
He requested a transfer to any custodial facility within the court’s jurisdiction, such as Suleja or Keffi, to allow him to effectively pursue his appeal.
However, Justice James Omotosho denied the request on Monday, stating that such an order could not be granted without first hearing from the Federal Government.
The judge directed Kanu to convert the ex-parte application into a motion on notice and serve all parties to allow fair hearing.
The case was subsequently fixed January 27, 2026, for the hearing of the motion.
Kanu was jailed in Sokoto after being sentenced to life imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Abuja on November 20, 2025, for terrorism-related charges. The charges included inciting violence, threatening security personnel, and promoting secession for an independent Biafra state.
He was transferred to the Sokoto Central Correctional Centre shortly after the sentencing, a move that sparked controversy among his legal team and supporters. They argue the location is far from his legal base in Abuja, complicating access for his lawyers and family, and potentially hindering his appeal process.
The court, led by Justice James Omotosho, authorized the Department of State Services (DSS) to detain Kanu in any facility nationwide, citing concerns over his safety at the Kuje prison. Kanu has since applied for a transfer to a facility closer to Abuja, citing challenges in pursuing his appeal, but the court rejected this request on December 8, 2025, advising him to refile the motion.
