The Federal High Court in Abuja has refused an ex parte application by detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, seeking an immediate transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Centre to a facility within the Federal Capital Territory or neighbouring Nasarawa State.
Kanu, through the Legal Aid Council, had asked the court to compel the Federal Government or the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to move him to Kuje or Keffi custodial centres to ease access to his legal team and facilitate the pursuit of his pending appeal.
In the alternative, he requested relocation to any correctional facility within the court’s jurisdiction, including Suleja or any nearby centre, arguing that his current location hampers effective preparation for his legal defence.
Justice James Omotosho, however, declined the request, ruling that such a substantive order cannot be granted without first hearing from the Federal Government.
He stated that due process requires all parties to be given an opportunity to respond.
The court therefore directed Kanu to convert his ex parte motion into a motion on notice and serve the Federal Government accordingly.
The case has been adjourned to January 27, 2026, for hearing.