“I can’t stay in Sokoto prison” – Nnamdi Kanu cries out, beg court for transfer

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Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) who was recently handed a life sentence, has filed a fresh motion before the Federal High Court in Abuja asking to be moved out of the Sokoto Custodial Centre.

Kanu, who personally signed the motion ex parte, insists that staying in Sokoto will cripple his ability to properly pursue his appeal against the conviction handed down on 20 November 2025.

Detention in Sokoto ‘Blocking My Appeal’ – Kanu Tells Court

According to the IPOB leader, he was moved to the Sokoto facility on 21 November, a distance of more than 700 kilometres from Abuja, where his appeal processes must be handled.

He argued that preparing his notice of appeal and accessing necessary court records requires direct interaction with the Federal High Court Registry and the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

Kanu said the distance makes such access nearly impossible and violates his constitutional right under Section 36 to effectively challenge his conviction.

Brother Moves Motion, Judge Refuses to Hear It

The motion was presented in court by Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu.

However, Justice James Omotosho refused to hear it, noting that Emmanuel is not a legal practitioner and cannot represent the convict.

“This ex parte motion cannot be moved on the convict’s behalf because you are not a legal practitioner,” the judge said, advising Kanu to hire counsel or seek help from the Legal Aid Council.

Kanu Wants Transfer to Abuja, Suleja or Keffi

Kanu is asking the court to compel the Federal Government or the Nigerian Correctional Service to move him to a facility within Abuja’s jurisdiction.

Alternatively, he requested transfer to a closer centre such as Suleja or Keffi to enable him participate in preparing his appeal records without undue hardship

Court Adjourns Case to December 8

After declining to take the application, Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter to 8 December 2025.

The judge also cautioned against circulating false claims that Kanu must be physically present before his record of appeal can be compiled, stressing that such procedures do not require a convict’s attendance.

“The rights of a defendant are different from the rights of a convict,” he added.

Background

Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on 20 November 2025. Since then, the matter has sparked public interest.