A Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected an application by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, seeking his transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Centre to a custodial facility in Abuja or Nasarawa State. Justice James Omotosho ruled that the request could not be granted without first hearing from the Federal Government and the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Kanu, through the Legal Aid Council, had asked to be moved to Kuje in Abuja or Keffi in Nasarawa, or to any facility within the court’s jurisdiction, to aid his appeal. He argued that detention in Sokoto, more than 700 kilometres from Abuja, made it difficult to prepare his legal documents and meet associates involve in the case.
Justice Omotosho said the respondents must be placed on notice and given an opportunity to respond before any transfer could be considered. The judge fixed 27 January 2026 for the hearing of the substantive motion.
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Kanu was convicted on 20 November on seven terrorism-related charges and sentenced to life imprisonment before being moved to Sokoto over concerns for his safety at Kuje Prison. His legal consultant, Aloy Ejimakor, has maintained that a transfer closer to Abuja is necessary for him to pursue his appeal effectively.
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