By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday declined an ex parte application by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, seeking transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Centre to a facility closer to the Federal Capital Territory.
Justice James Omotosho held that the request could not be considered without hearing from the Federal Government and the Nigerian Correctional Service.
He ordered that both parties be served and ruled that such an application must come by motion on notice, not ex parte.
Kanu’s counsel from the Legal Aid Council, Demdoo Asan, had sought to compel authorities to relocate Kanu to a custodial centre within the court’s jurisdiction.
The judge struck out the prayer after Asan conceded it was inappropriate for an ex parte proceeding.
Justice Omotosho also noted that a notice of appeal filed on Kanu’s behalf was dated November 10, ten days before judgment was delivered on November 20 rendering it invalid. Asan said he had only recently taken over the case.
Kanu, serving a life sentence for terrorism-related offences, was moved to Sokoto after the court declared the Kuje facility unsuitable.
He is seeking transfer to Suleja or Keffi to ease pursuit of his planned appeal.
The matter was adjourned to January 27, 2026, for proper service on all parties.
