The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed December 8 for the hearing of an ex parte motion filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra. Kanu is asking the court to order his transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Facility to a custodial centre closer to the nation’s capital.

Kanu was convicted on November 20, 2025, on all seven terrorism charges brought against him by the Federal Government and was sentenced to life imprisonment. According to Punch, he was immediately moved to the Sokoto facility after the court expressed concerns for his safety at the Kuje Correctional Centre, which has previously experienced serious security breaches.

Before sentencing, Kanu dismissed his legal team and represented himself through the final stage of the trial.

Judge Rejects Brother’s Attempt to Represent Kanu

During Thursday’s proceedings, Justice James Omotosho declined to recognise the appearance of Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel, who attempted to stand in as his representative despite not being a lawyer.

When the matter was called, the judge asked for the appearance of counsel. Emmanuel rose instead, prompting Justice Omotosho to caution him.

The judge stated that an ex parte motion can only be moved by a legal practitioner. He explained that an individual cannot represent another person in court unless they are a qualified solicitor or advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Justice Omotosho added that only corporate entities may be represented by non-lawyers. He then advised Emmanuel to engage a lawyer or seek assistance from the Legal Aid Council, noting that proper representation was essential.

 

Court Addresses Public Debate Over Appeal Records

The judge also responded to public comments on whether Kanu’s detention in Sokoto might affect his ability to compile his record of appeal. According to Punch, the debate intensified after remarks from Aloy Ejimakor, one of Kanu’s previously disengaged lawyers who now serves as a consultant.

Justice Omotosho clarified that Kanu does not need to appear in person for the appeal record to be prepared. He explained that the presence of a representative may be required, but the convict’s physical attendance is not necessary.

He posed the question to lawyers present in court, and they agreed that a convict’s presence is not needed for this stage of the appeal process.

The judge warned that lawyers who lack adequate knowledge of appellate procedure should stop giving misleading public commentary. He stressed the need for accurate legal guidance on matters of significant public interest.

Kanu’s Grounds for Seeking Transfer

In the ex parte motion personally signed by him, Kanu said he was transferred to the Sokoto Correctional Facility on November 21, 2025. He noted that the facility is more than 700 kilometres from Abuja, where all processes related to his appeal must be filed.

Kanu explained that he is currently unrepresented by counsel and intends to personally exercise his constitutional right to appeal his conviction and sentence. He said the preparation of both the notice of appeal and the record of appeal requires direct interaction with the registries of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

He added that all individuals who could assist him with the appeal, including relatives, associates, and legal consultants, are based in Abuja. According to him, remaining in Sokoto makes the exercise of his constitutional right impracticable and causes exceptional hardship, contrary to Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution.

Kanu argued that it would serve the interest of justice for him to be moved to a facility either within Abuja or in its immediate surroundings, such as Suleja or Keffi, to enable him to pursue his appeal effectively.

 

Analysts Say Transfer Request Raises Practical Concerns

Legal analysts familiar with high-profile criminal appeals told Punch that distance has long been a challenge for inmates who wish to file their own appeals. They noted that although digital filing exists, many appeal procedures in Nigeria still require in-person interactions or close communication with court officials.

A constitutional law lecturer at the University of Abuja, who spoke on background, said Kanu’s request is not unusual. According to the lecturer, courts often consider the practicality of an inmate’s ability to exercise their rights when determining custodial placement.

However, he added that security considerations typically weigh heavily in cases involving high-profile convicts.

Adjournment to December 8

With Emmanuel denied audience, Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter to December 8 for the hearing of the motion. The court will then decide whether Kanu should remain in the Sokoto facility or be moved closer to Abuja to pursue his appeal.