The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected an application filed by the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, seeking his transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Centre to a custodial facility within the Federal Capital Territory or 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.
In the alternative, he asked to be transferred to any custodial facility within the court’s jurisdiction, including Suleja or Keffi, to enable him to effectively pursue his appeal.
Kanu, through the Legal Aid Council, filed an ex parte application, urging the court to move him from Sokoto prison to either Kuje Prison (FCT) or Keffi Custodial Centre in Nasarawa State.
He argued that a transfer was necessary “for the purpose of enabling the applicant to effectively prosecute his constitutionally guaranteed right of appeal.”
His pleadings sought a court order compelling the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and/or the Federal Government to “forthwith transfer him … to a custodial facility within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court.”
However, Justice James Omotosho on Monday declined the request, ruling that such an order could not be granted without 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.
Justice Omotosho subsequently fixed January 27, 2026, for the hearing of the motion.
Legal observers say this move aligns with standard procedure: while ex parte motions may be used in urgent or exceptional cases, they are granted sparingly, particularly in matters where the decision would affect another party.
Last week, Justice Omotosho had declined to accept the appearance of Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, as representative of the IPOB leader, because Prince Emmanuel is not a lawyer.
Faced with this ruling, the court’s fresh demand for a motion on notice underscores its insistence that all procedural safeguards, including proper representation and hearing of all sides, be respected before any order is made.
Kanu now has to re‑file his request through a motion on notice and notify the government and NCoS. Once served, the parties will be given the opportunity to respond before the court considers whether the transfer should be granted.
For now, he remains at the Sokoto Correctional Facility.
JUST IN: Court rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s request to be transferred from Sokoto prison
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