₦airaland Forum

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday fixed December 8 for the hearing of a motion ex parte filed by the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, seeking to be transferred from the Sokoto Correctional Facility.

Kanu, on November 20, 2025, was found guilty of all seven counts of terrorism charges preferred against him by the Federal Government and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Following his sentence, Kanu was taken to the Sokoto Correctional Facility, after the court expressed concern for his safety, noting that the Kuje Correctional Facility might not be suitable for him due to previous prison breaks recorded there.

Before judgment was delivered, Kanu disengaged his legal team and opted to defend himself.

At Thursday’s proceedings, the trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, fixed the date for the hearing after declining to give audience to Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu, who announced his appearance for the IPOB leader despite not being a lawyer.

When the case was called, Justice Omotosho asked for the appearance of a lawyer.

However, Emmanuel, who is not a lawyer, rose and announced his appearance.

Justice Omotosho told him that such an application could not be moved by him.

“This ex parte motion cannot be moved on the convict’s behalf because you are not a legal practitioner,” Justice Omotosho stated.

The judge, insisting that only a legal practitioner can move the motion, advised Emmanuel to either engage a lawyer or approach the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria for representation.

“When I said representation, it is not his (Kanu’s) father, brother, sister or relations I meant. I mean his counsel.

“I am not going to the merit of this application now in the interest of justice, but you cannot represent a human being when you are not a lawyer; you can only represent a corporate body.

“Therefore, you cannot move the application because you are not a solicitor or advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

“For you to be qualified as a lawyer, it will take you another six years or thereabout. So get a counsel to move the application,” the judge said.

When Emmanuel asked for the next adjourned date, Justice Omotosho said that although there were cases on the docket on Monday, Kanu would be accommodated.

“Thank you, sir,” Emmanuel responded.

The judge cautioned against misleading the public over how Kanu could compile his record of appeal.

Justice Omotosho said that, contrary to a remark by one of Kanu’s disengaged lawyers who was later engaged as a consultant, Aloy Ejimakor, the convict did not need to be in court for his record to be compiled.

“Let me advise generally so that you don’t delay the process. The issue of appeal, I must not pretend that I am not part of society. Mr Ejimakor granted an interview, talking about the deprivation of the defendant (Kanu) to compile his record. That is an erroneous opinion. The defendant may not be in court to compile a record.

“His attendance is not required, though the appearance of his representative may be required. The rights of a defendant are different from the rights of a convict,” Justice Omotosho noted.

Justice Omotosho also put the question to lawyers present in court on whether Kanu’s attendance was required before his record could be compiled, and they responded in the negative.

Advising Emmanuel again to engage a knowledgeable lawyer, the judge added that any lawyer grossly inadequate in appellate procedure should stop misleading the public.

“I think it is high time we address the right opinion. Appropriate legal advice is necessary,” he said.

Having refused to give audience to Emmanuel, the judge adjourned the matter to December 8 for the hearing of the pending application.

In the motion ex parte personally signed by him, Kanu sought an order that, owing to the impossibility of his being present in court or chambers to personally move the motion, it should be deemed moved in absentia and in terms of the application.

He also sought an order compelling the Federal Government and/or the Nigerian Correctional Service “to forthwith transfer him from the Sokoto Correctional Facility to a custodial facility within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court.”

Alternatively, he sought an order transferring him to the court’s “immediate environs, such as the Suleja or the Keffi Custodial Centre, for the purpose of enabling the applicant to effectively prosecute his constitutionally guaranteed right of appeal.”

Citing eight grounds in the motion marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, Kanu stated that he was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment on November 20, and that the judge ordered his detention in any correctional centre in Nigeria except Kuje.

“On the 21st of November, 2025, the applicant was transferred to and is currently detained at the Sokoto Correctional Facility, which is over 700 kilometres from Abuja.

“The applicant, who is currently unrepresented by counsel, intends to personally exercise his constitutional right of appeal against the conviction and sentence.

“The preparation of the notice of appeal and the record of appeal require the applicant’s personal interface with the Registry of this Honourable Court and the Court of Appeal in Abuja.”

The motion further stated, “All persons critical to assisting the applicant in preparing his appeal, including his relatives, associates, and legal consultants, are based in Abuja.

“The applicant’s continued detention in Sokoto renders his constitutional right to appeal impracticable, occasioning exceptional hardship and potentially defeating the said right, in violation of Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended),” he said.

Kanu argued that it would be in the interest of justice for him to be transferred to a facility near Abuja to effectively prosecute his appeal.

Source: https://punchng.com/court-defers-kanus-transfer-appeal-rejects-brothers-representation

Kanu, the Oni Sokoto of Sokoto prison

The way he has been strict with those who don't recite Nigeria national anthem every morning heh, he's the leader, you must recite it properly or you will see the other side of him

Meanwhile, I learned at very early in life that in Africa ( Ogo eeyan lo n ja fun ilu), only a fool fight for the masses because eventually, they won't appreciate your efforts while you go through the pain. Help the masses instead in your own capacity without fighting unnecessary fight

The bros who told me that, I initially called him a coward but I confirmed his statements within hours.

Campus area, World cup time, Nigeria had match and one hour before the match , they took light off, hahaha, we no go gree oo, we no go gree

We started the mobilization from my house to go to Nepa office and burst their heads. They must bring the light for us to watch the match. The crowd was getting momentum, when we get to the bros place, that was when he told me the proverbs in my native language. Simply telling us he wasn't interested

Eventually, when it was time to go the Nepa office, na so people started giving excuses one by one, I have a test, I am cooking bla blah. Na people from my house who started the mobilization remain for those ready to go.

In Kanu's case, his emperor, Ohamadike, his Majesty, all those title got into his head that made him not to consider the consequences of his own actions.

Unfortunately, those who have been hailing him not to break have been enjoying their freedom since Kanu was incarcerated. As how they claimed to love Kanu, just ask them if they would be ready to be swapped with Kanu so that Kanu can have his freedom while they will be the one incarcerated.

Hahaha, dey dance dey go, we dey your back, my friend, na lie

Iyawo Baale can only La Tom Tom, Koledowo taught us early lesson about that

helinues:
Kanu, the Oni Sokoto of Sokoto prison

The way he has been strict with those who don't recite Nigeria national anthem every morning heh, he's the leader, you must recite it properly or you will see the other side of him

Lols...reduce neck pressing oga...Oni of Sokoto...Hahahahaha

EmperorIsaac:
Lols...reduce neck pressing oga...Oni of Sokoto...Hahahahaha

Bro, the curiosity be say, how come loosing is a mutual thing to some people whenever they support anything.

The records are overwhelming with their evil support that will relegate others. They are even saying Kanu shouldn't accept any negotiations for pardon, they don't care about his freedom

This ex parte motion cannot be moved on the convict’s behalf because you are not a legal practitioner,” Justice Omotosho stated.

I hope stone drops on that judges head

Seems Sokoto sun is turning our brave dilektor to a fidgeting koward 😀😀😀

There is no crime in demanding justice or self-determination. Nigeria was not created by Nigerians, but by the British. So, if we must continue as one nation, we must respect everyone who calls himself a Nigerian.”

“ keeping a man in prison using legal technicalities to justify injustice. What is his crime? For five years, nobody can define it.

“Let me advise generally so that you don’t delay the process. The issue of appeal, I must not pretend that I am not part of society. Mr Ejimakor granted an interview, talking about the deprivation of the defendant (Kanu) to compile his record. That is an erroneous opinion. The defendant may not be in court to compile a record."


Justice Omotosho don see the guguru and epa lawyer, Ejimakor, finish.

zinaunreal:
I hope stone drops on that judges head

Why? For doing his job?

You should blame Kanu for not doing things correctly…

No matter how useless a country is, there are laws and processes that the court of law follows, and he failed to do the right things

I was expecting his brother to scream aloud to the judge “YOU DON’T KNOW LAW!” repeatedly on the court grounds

While Kanunis known all over the world fornhis vision and agitation..those mocking him here are not even known in their street, got no vision and depend solely on "Bros, I fit get urgent 2K to carry chop?"

Kanu is way beyond those mocking g him here and at the right time he would be released cos he got no case to answer...everything the government is doing is just a charade....

I thought they made him the new Emir of Sokoto, why does he need a Transfer

Floky215:
While Kanunis known all over the world fornhis vision and agitation..those mocking him here are not even known in their street, got no vision and depend solely on "Bros, I fit get urgent 2K to carry chop?"

Kanu is way beyond those mocking g him here and at the right time he would be released cos he got no case to answer...everything the government is doing is just a charade....

Are you talking about Kanu the uneducated London Barber? That guy is a loser !

Everybody in Kanu family sabi book/law pass tye judge.

helinues:
Meanwhile, I learned at very early in life that in Africa ( Ogo eeyan lo n ja fun ilu), only a fool fight for the masses because eventually, they won't appreciate your efforts while you go through the pain. Help the masses instead in your own capacity without fighting unnecessary fight

The bros who told me that, I initially called him a coward but I confirmed his statements within hours.

Campus area, World cup time, Nigeria had match and one hour before the match , they took light off, hahaha, we no go gree oo, we no go gree

We started the mobilization from my house to go to Nepa office and burst their heads. They must bring the light for us to watch the match. The crowd was getting momentum, when we get to the bros place, that was when he told me the proverbs in my native language. Simply telling us he wasn't interested

Eventually, when it was time to go the Nepa office, na so people started giving excuses one by one, I have a test, I am cooking bla blah. Na people from my house who started the mobilization remain for those ready to go.

In Kanu's case, his emperor, Ohamadike, his Majesty, all those title got into his head that made him not to consider the consequences of his own actions.

Unfortunately, those who have been hailing him not to break have been enjoying their freedom since Kanu was incarcerated. As how they claimed to love Kanu, just ask them if they would be ready to be swapped with Kanu so that Kanu can have his freedom while they will be the one incarcerated.

Hahaha, dey dance dey go, we dey your back, my friend, na lie

Iyawo Baale can only La Tom Tom, Koledowo taught us early lesson about that

When Jesus told you he paid the Supreme price una say na lie. Those who fight for people knows they are alone from onset. They are only doing that as an assignment from God and at the end of the day, only them will be nailed in the cross. Unfortunately, black man does not understand the message Jesus Christ passed.

nairalandankrah:
There is no crime in demanding justice or self-determination. Nigeria was not created by Nigerians, but by the British. So, if we must continue as one nation, we must respect everyone who calls himself a Nigerian.”

“ keeping a man in prison using legal technicalities to justify injustice. What is his crime? For five years, nobody can define it.

in my opinion, Kanu went about his Biafra drive the WRONG way. He allowed several loopholes that could be used against him to be created. In short, he created more problems than solutions. Little wonder, the British government paid him no attention despite holding a British citizenship.

nairalandankrah:
There is no crime in demanding justice or self-determination. Nigeria was not created by Nigerians, but by the British. So, if we must continue as one nation, we must respect everyone who calls himself a Nigerian.”

“ keeping a man in prison using legal technicalities to justify injustice. What is his crime? For five years, nobody can define it.

Go back to school. Nnamdi Kanu was not jailed based on technicalities but was found guilty of 7 counts of terrorism charges and was jailed accordingly. He was charged and couldn't defend himself on the charges. All these you do t know law don't make any sense to a sensible person.

The aboki inmates are dealing ruthlessly with the yeye guy hence he wants a relocation to another prison, lol!

swapped with Kanu so that Kanu can have his freedom

Swapping is even too much .... when sowere (A yoruba man) organized a protest to free Kanu about few weeks ago, how many Igbo did you see at the protest? Did you not see how scanty it was? Igbo are different kind of human (very hard working but very difficult to understand). You will be shocked to know that Igbos are the ones behind Kanu incarceration.

You will be shocked that many igbo governors has met with Tinubu secretly and question why they jailed him instead of death sentence. I've seen this people firsthand, I spent about 2years in Enugu when I was 18 and what my innocent heart saw wasn't pleasant when it comes to hierarchy and submissiveness. In a nuclear family of 6, if the youngest son makes more money or hits some large sum of money overnight, the elder brothers leave home in shame or start avoiding him. ( This was very different from my upbringing as a yoruba boy, i would rather go and beg my brother to give me a share).... Even if Igbos actualizes Biafra today, I wonder who will rule them, 20 years from now they won't be able to figure out a leader.

I am not in support of Kanu's treatment by the federal government, but before you judge the government, try to listen to a few audio of radio biafra, and hear how gross it is. I was privilege to listen to it and i couldn't stay turned for 5mins , i had to turn it off, it was too gross.

helinues:
Meanwhile, I learned at very early in life that in Africa ( Ogo eeyan lo n ja fun ilu), only a fool fight for the masses because eventually, they won't appreciate your efforts while you go through the pain. Help the masses instead in your own capacity without fighting unnecessary fight

The bros who told me that, I initially called him a coward but I confirmed his statements within hours.

Campus area, World cup time, Nigeria had match and one hour before the match , they took light off, hahaha, we no go gree oo, we no go gree

We started the mobilization from my house to go to Nepa office and burst their heads. They must bring the light for us to watch the match. The crowd was getting momentum, when we get to the bros place, that was when he told me the proverbs in my native language. Simply telling us he wasn't interested

Eventually, when it was time to go the Nepa office, na so people started giving excuses one by one, I have a test, I am cooking bla blah. Na people from my house who started the mobilization remain for those ready to go.

In Kanu's case, his emperor, Ohamadike, his Majesty, all those title got into his head that made him not to consider the consequences of his own actions.

Unfortunately, those who have been hailing him not to break have been enjoying their freedom since Kanu was incarcerated. As how they claimed to love Kanu, just ask them if they would be ready to be swapped with Kanu so that Kanu can have his freedom while they will be the one incarcerated.

Hahaha, dey dance dey go, we dey your back, my friend, na lie

Iyawo Baale can only La Tom Tom, Koledowo taught us early lesson about that

Baba wants transfer due to previous records of jail breaks in Sokoto prison! Shouldn’t that be an advantage for him? Probably he wants to be closer to his oloshos from the South since Sharia is close to the Sokoto’s prison.

The way the chestbeaters abandon this guy as if he never existed really amazed me.

nairalandankrah:
There is no crime in demanding justice or self-determination. Nigeria was not created by Nigerians, but by the British. So, if we must continue as one nation, we must respect everyone who calls himself a Nigerian.”

“ keeping a man in prison using legal technicalities to justify injustice. What is his crime? For five years, nobody can define it.

Kanu was not jailed for asking for self determination rather he was jailed for terrorism and his offence was stated in the court. Stop misleading yourself and others. Kanu is d a criminal. A leader of a terrorist organization. His actions and activities led to the death of many people in Nigeria. He operated illegal radio station. So nothing like self determination in what he did. I hope you are now educated. His disciple, Ekpa is serving his jail term too

transferred as in how? I thought we were made to understand he is enjoying is new accommodation and as even been named the president of his co convicted criminals🤣🤣 he should get used to his new menu in prison and stop disturbing us bikonu😂😂

Let me advise generally so that you don’t delay the process. The issue of appeal, I must not pretend that I am not part of society. Mr Ejimakor granted an interview, talking about the deprivation of the defendant (Kanu) to compile his record. That is an erroneous opinion. The defendant may not be in court to compile a record.

Why is Kanu’s lawyer acting like an illiterate charge and bail lawyer. Making silly mistakes here and there. He only wants Kanu in court for media attention not to help him.

madridguy:
This ex parte motion cannot be moved on the convict’s behalf because you are not a legal practitioner,” Justice Omotosho stated.

You can imagine the ignorance of Kanus associates. They messed up his case

Injustice omotosho sounding like a judge with guilty conscience.

I learnt his children are avoiding him after receiving bribes to illegally sentence Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment

If the south east want him to be released they should vote Obi for president. Only him and Atiku can release him in exchange for their votes.
Except Tinubu release him before election time to appease igbos they will have to go for the other option

zinaunreal:
I hope stone drops on that judges head

it will first drop on your flaaaathead before his…….

nairalandankrah:
There is no crime in demanding justice or self-determination. Nigeria was not created by Nigerians, but by the British. So, if we must continue as one nation, we must respect everyone who calls himself a Nigerian.”

“ keeping a man in prison using legal technicalities to justify injustice. What is his crime? For five years, nobody can define it.

his crime are all on radio biafla, evidence bokku but you can continue to feign ignorance and keep living in denial. Btw why are you not also asking for the release of ekpa? You must really be delusional if you think the law gives a hoot about your emotions