Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday declined an application by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, seeking to be transferred from the Sokoto Correctional Centre to a facility closer to the Federal Capital Territory.
Kanu, who is currently serving a life sentence after being convicted on seven terrorism-related charges on November 20, had asked the court to order his immediate relocation to Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja or Keffi in Nasarawa State.
The application, filed through the Legal Aid Council, argued that the IPOB leader’s incarceration in Sokoto—over 700 kilometres from Abuja—had made it “practically impossible” for him to prepare his appeal, as his lawyers, relatives and associates who assist with his defence are all based in the FCT.
In a brief ruling, Justice Omotosho held that the request could not be granted ex-parte, insisting that the Federal Government and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) must be put on notice before any decision is taken.
“The respondents ought to be heard in the interest of justice,” the judge ruled, before adjourning the matter to January 27, 2026 for hearing.
Kanu was moved to the Sokoto facility shortly after his conviction, with authorities citing security concerns at the Kuje Custodial Centre, which had recorded previous prison breaks.
His legal consultant, Aloy Ejimakor, had earlier faulted the relocation, arguing in a motion personally signed by Kanu that the distance had severely hindered his constitutional right to pursue an appeal.
He also asked the court to deem the motion as having been moved in absentia.
In the motion marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, Kanu listed eight grounds supporting his request for transfer, including the claim that the current location “gravely impairs access” to legal documents and consultations required for his appeal process.
The Federal Government and NCoS are expected to respond when the matter resumes in January.
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