Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has filed a motion in the Federal High Court in Abuja requesting a transfer from Sokoto prison where he is currently held. Kanu argues that his current detention location hinders his ability to effectively appeal his life imprisonment sentence.
In the motion, presented by his brother Prince Emmanuel Kanu, he states that being over 700 kilometers away from Abuja makes it impractical for him to prepare the necessary legal documents and confer with his relatives and legal consultants who are based in the capital.
Kanu contends that his continued detention in Sokoto is a violation of his constitutional right to appeal, which he aims to pursue vigorously. He is seeking an order from the court to compel the federal government to transfer him to a facility closer to Abuja.
During the court proceedings, Justice James Omotosho noted that Kanu’s brother cannot represent him unless he is a qualified legal practitioner. The judge urged Kanu to retain a lawyer or seek assistance from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria.
The case has been adjourned to December 8, for further consideration of the transfer request.
