Court Rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s Request for Transfer From Sokoto Prison

Court Rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s Request for Transfer From Sokoto Prison

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday dismissed an ex parte motion filed by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, seeking his transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Centre to a facility closer to the Federal Capital Territory.

Justice James Omotosho refused the request, stating that the application, which was moved by a lawyer from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Demdoo Asan, could not be granted through an ex parte motion.

Kanu, who was convicted on November 20 for terrorism-related offences and sentenced to life imprisonment, had been moved to the Sokoto Correctional Centre after the court ruled the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja was unsuitable. He sought a transfer to either the Suleja or Keffi facilities to facilitate his appeal process.

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho held that the respondents, the Federal Government and the Nigerian Correctional Service must be put on notice and allowed to respond in the interest of justice.

During the hearing, the judge questioned the wording of the first relief in Kanu’s motion, which used the term “compel.”

Asan agreed to have that relief struck out. When asked by the judge whether the application should have been brought as a motion on notice, Asan conceded that the respondents indeed had a right to be heard.

“My Lord, the respondents have the right to be heard. Usually, the court can make an order that they should be put on notice,” Asan stated.

Justice Omotosho subsequently struck out the first relief and ordered that the prosecution and correctional service be served with the motion for a proper hearing. He remarked, “A law school student will know that this application cannot be granted ex parte.”

Asan explained he had been on leave when assigned the case.

The court also noted a procedural irregularity regarding Kanu’s notice of appeal, which had been filed before the judgment was delivered. Justice Omotosho directed the court registrar to show the document to Asan, who confirmed its date.

Kanu’s family has rejected the life sentence and vowed to appeal the conviction.