BREAKING: Court Declines Kanu’s Request to Move From Sokoto Custody to Abuja

The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected an application by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, seeking to be transferred from the Sokoto Correctional Centre to a custodial facility in the Federal Capital Territory.

Kanu, represented by the Legal Aid Council, had filed an ex-parte application urging the court to compel the Federal Government or the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to relocate him to the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja. He also proposed the Keffi Custodial Centre in Nasarawa State as an alternative.

In the further alternative, he asked to be moved to any custodial facility within the Federal High Court’s jurisdiction, such as Suleja or Keffi to enable him to properly pursue his ongoing appeal.

Delivering ruling on Monday, Justice James Omotosho declined the request, stating that the court could not issue such an order without first hearing from the Federal Government. He directed Kanu to convert the ex-parte motion into a motion on notice and serve all relevant parties in the interest of fair hearing.

The judge subsequently adjourned the case to January 27, 2026, for the hearing of the motion.

THENATIONS