Court Strikes Out Kanu’s Sokoto Prison Transfer Motion

By Ifeyinwa Austine

A Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out a motion by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), seeking his transfer from the Sokoto Medium Security Prison to a facility in the South-East.

Justice James Kolawole Omotosho dismissed the application during Tuesday’s proceedings, citing lack of merit and procedural flaws.

Kanu’s counsel, Demdoo Asan, withdrew from the case citing irreconcilable issues, including Kanu’s attempts to dictate court arguments and relatives’ failure to provide affidavits despite repeated promises.

Asan invoked Order 50, Rule 1 of the Federal High Court Rules, noting consultations with superiors who agreed the matter should proceed independently or seek other representation.

Justice Omotosho commended Asan for upholding court dignity, granting leave for Legal Aid to withdraw entirely from representing the convict.

He declared the motion incompetent, as no proof of service on other parties existed since the December 8, 2025 adjournment, despite court directives for notice in the interest of justice and fairness.

The ex-parte application was struck out accordingly on January 27, 2026.

Kanu, IPOB leader convicted in November 2025, remains in Sokoto pending appeals, with supporters calling it unfair.