“You’re Not a Lawyer,” Judge Blocks Nnamdi Kanu’s Brother From Representing Him in Court

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday refused to allow Prince Emmanuel Kanu to appear for his brother, Nnamdi Kanu, ruling that only a qualified lawyer can move a motion in court.

The court was scheduled to hear a fresh application filed by the detained IPOB leader, who is challenging his continued placement in Sokoto prison after his recent conviction and life sentence. In the motion, Kanu argued that he cannot personally appear to move the application and asked the court to hear it in his absence, stressing that a transfer to a facility closer to Abuja would enable him to properly pursue his appeal.

When the case was called, Emmanuel Kanu announced his appearance for his brother, but the judge declined to recognise him. Justice Omotosho explained that only a legal practitioner can move such an application, noting that representation does not include family members but must come from counsel or, if necessary, the Legal Aid Council.

He further clarified that Emmanuel, not being a lawyer, could neither stand in for the applicant nor handle the motion, adding that qualification for legal practice requires several years of training.

Following the court’s directive, Emmanuel asked for another date. Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter to December 8.