Nnamdi Kanu Seeks Transfer, Says Sokoto Detention Jeopardizes Appeal

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to move him out of the Sokoto Custodial Center, insisting the location is preventing him from pursuing his appeal against his conviction.

Kanu was recently handed a life sentence after being found guilty of terrorism-related offenses. However, he maintains that he intends to challenge the judgment personally since he currently has no legal representation.

Distance Poses Legal Barriers, Says Kanu

In a motion ex parte bearing his signature, Kanu argued that being held more than 700 kilometres away from Abuja has created what he described as an impossible situation for his defense team and support network.

The motion, which was tendered to the court on Thursday by his younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, stated:

“On 21 November 2025, the applicant was transferred to, and is currently detained at, the Sokoto Correctional Facility, which is over 700 kilometres from Abuja. The preparation of the notice of appeal and the record of appeal requires the applicant’s personal interface with the Registry of this Honourable Court and the Court of Appeal in Abuja.”

He further argued that all those crucial to assisting in the appeal process, including family members and legal advisers, are based in the nation’s capital. Remaining in Sokoto, he warned, would cause “exceptional hardship” and could undermine his constitutional right to appeal under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution.

Legal Context and Reactions

Legal analysts note that the right to adequate defense is a fundamental safeguard in Nigeria’s justice system. Commenting on the motion, a lawyer who has followed Kanu’s case told journalists that the courts typically assess such requests with caution, especially when national security concerns are involved.

However, he added that the Constitution guarantees every convicted person reasonable access to the courts to pursue an appeal, and any barrier to that access may be considered a violation of fair hearing principles.

What Comes Next

The Federal High Court is expected to review the application and determine whether the IPOB leader should be returned to a facility closer to Abuja while his appeal process continues.

Kanu’s detention and trial have remained politically sensitive issues in Nigeria, with human rights groups and supporters regularly calling for fair treatment and adherence to due process.

The court’s ruling on his newest request may set a notable precedent on prison location rights for convicted individuals involved in high-profile cases.