Court Strikes Out Nnamdi Kanu’s Application for Transfer From Sokoto Prison

The Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out an ex-parte application filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), seeking his transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Facility.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling on Tuesday after Kanu’s counsel, Demdoo Asan, a senior legal officer with the Legal Aid Council, applied to withdraw from the case.

Addressing the court, Asan cited irreconcilable differences with the applicant. He explained that although he had been in regular contact with Kanu’s relatives since the last adjournment, they failed to visit the Legal Aid Council office to depose to the application, despite repeated assurances.

Asan further told the court that Kanu attempted to dictate how the case should be conducted, including directing counsel on what to say in court.

“He wants to write down what I would say while in court. As an officer of the court, I cannot accept that,” Asan said.

He added that after consulting with his superiors, the Legal Aid Council agreed that continuing representation under such conditions was not appropriate.

Invoking Order 50, Rule 1 of the Federal High Court Rules, Asan formally applied to withdraw from the matter.

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho granted the application, allowing Asan and the Legal Aid Council to withdraw from representing Kanu. The judge commended counsel for maintaining professional standards and respect for the court.

Justice Omotosho noted that the ex-parte motion was incompetent and that there was no evidence of service on relevant parties since the last court sitting on December 8, 2025. He added that, in the interest of fairness, all necessary parties ought to have been put on notice.

The court subsequently struck out the application for lack of competence.