Abuja: The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled December 8 for a hearing on a motion ex-parte filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), seeking his transfer from the Sokoto Correctional facility. Justice James Omotosho set the date after declining to entertain Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel, who attempted to represent Kanu despite not being a lawyer.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Kanu’s ex-parte motion, which he personally signed, requests an order for his transfer to a custodial facility within the court’s jurisdiction, citing challenges in attending court sessions from Sokoto. Alternatively, Kanu seeks relocation to a facility near the court, such as the Suleja or Keffi Custodial Centre, to facilitate the prosecution of his appeal rights.
Kanu is serving a life sentence at the Sokoto State Correctional Centre following a conviction for terrorism offences on November 20. He dismissed his legal team before the judgment and opted to represent himself. During the court session, Justice Omotosho emphasized that only a legal practitioner could move the motion, advising Emmanuel to either hire a lawyer or seek assistance from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria.
Justice Omotosho clarified that Emmanuel could not represent Kanu in court as he is not a qualified legal practitioner. The judge also addressed misconceptions regarding Kanu’s right to appeal, stating that Kanu’s presence is not necessary for compiling the appeal record. The judge urged against misleading public opinions on legal procedures and stressed the importance of engaging a knowledgeable lawyer.
The court adjourned the matter to December 8 for further hearing on Kanu’s application. Kanu argues that his detention in Sokoto, over 700 kilometers from Abuja, hinders his constitutional right to appeal, causing significant hardship and potentially nullifying his appeal rights. He seeks a transfer to a facility near Abuja to effectively exercise his appeal rights.