Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to order his immediate transfer from the Sokoto Correctional facility, insisting that the distance is preventing him from pursuing his appeal against his recent conviction and life sentence.
Kanu made the request in a motion ex parte he personally signed but was presented in court on Thursday by his younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu. He argued that being held more than 700 kilometres from Abuja makes it nearly impossible for him to interface with court officials and prepare the documents required for his appeal.
The IPOB leader, convicted on November 20 on seven terrorism-related counts, said all persons assisting him—including relatives and legal consultants—are based in Abuja. He added that without proximity to the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal, his constitutional right to appeal risks being “defeated.”
Kanu asked the court to compel the Federal Government and the Nigerian Correctional Service to transfer him to a custodial centre within Abuja’s jurisdiction or, at least, to a closer facility such as Suleja or Keffi.
However, Justice James Omotosho refused to entertain the application after Kanu’s brother attempted to move it, stressing that only a qualified lawyer can represent a defendant in court.
“You cannot represent a human being when you are not a lawyer,” the judge said, advising the family to secure legal counsel or approach the Legal Aid Council. He thereafter adjourned the case to December 8.
Justice Omotosho also cautioned against public misinformation, noting that contrary to claims by one of Kanu’s former legal advisers, a convict does not need to be physically present to compile a record of appeal.
The motion will be heard fully on the adjourned date.
