Court Sets Date for Hearing on Kanu’s Request to Leave Sokoto Facility

A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled December 8 for the hearing of an ex parte application by Nnamdi Kanu, who is seeking a transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Facility. The date was set during Thursday’s proceedings before Justice James Omotosho.

Kanu was convicted on November 20 on seven terrorism charges and handed a life sentence. He was subsequently moved to the Sokoto facility after the court raised concerns about his safety at the Kuje Custodial Centre, which has experienced security breaches. Before his conviction, he had dismissed his legal team and chose to represent himself.

The hearing briefly stalled when Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel, attempted to appear on his behalf. Justice Omotosho declined to hear him, explaining that only a qualified lawyer could move the application. He advised Emmanuel to retain counsel or seek assistance from the Legal Aid Council, stressing that family members cannot stand in court as legal representatives.

The judge also addressed public commentary on Kanu’s appeal process, noting that the convict did not need to be physically present for court records to be compiled. He warned against misinformation and urged that proper legal guidance be sought to avoid delays.

Kanu’s motion, which he signed personally, asks the court to treat the application as moved in his absence, citing his inability to appear in court from Sokoto. He is requesting an order directing authorities to transfer him to a custodial facility within Abuja’s jurisdiction, such as Suleja or Keffi, to enable him to prepare and pursue his appeal. He argues that being detained over 700 kilometres away severely hampers his ability to interface with court officials and consult those assisting him.

Kanu maintains that remaining in Sokoto places an unreasonable burden on his constitutional right to appeal and that a transfer is necessary in the interest of justice. The court will consider the application on December 8.