Federal High Court in Abuja has declined a request by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, seeking to be moved from the Sokoto Correctional Centre to a custodial facility closer to the Federal Capital Territory.
Justice James Omotosho, ruling on an ex-parte application filed by the Legal Aid Council on Kanu’s behalf, held on Monday that the court could not order the transfer without first hearing from the Federal Government and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
He said both respondents must be placed on notice before any decision can be taken on the matter.
The judge subsequently fixed January 27, 2026, for the substantive hearing of the motion.
Kanu, who is currently serving a life sentence after the court found him guilty on seven terrorism-related charges on November 20, argued that his detention in Sokoto over 700 kilometres from Abuja, makes it nearly impossible to properly file and pursue his appeal.
In his motion, personally signed and marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, he requested a transfer to the Kuje or Keffi custodial centres, or any other facility within the Abuja judicial division, including Suleja.
He said most of the people essential to preparing his appeal—lawyers, associates, and family—are based in Abuja, noting that the distance hampers access to legal guidance and materials.
After his conviction, Kanu was relocated from Kuje Prison to Sokoto due to security concerns.
Authorities cited past prison breaks at Kuje as a reason for the transfer to a facility considered more secure.
His legal adviser, Aloy Ejimakor, previously criticised the move as “insensitive,” arguing that it further isolates the IPOB leader during a critical phase of his legal process.
