The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected an ex parte motion filed by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, seeking an urgent transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Centre to a custodial facility within the Federal Capital Territory or neighbouring Nasarawa State.
Kanu, through the Legal Aid Council, had approached the court with an ex parte application asking for an order compelling the Federal Government or the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to immediately relocate him from Sokoto to either the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja or the Keffi Custodial Centre in Nasarawa.
In the alternative, he requested a transfer to any custodial facility within the jurisdiction of the court, including Suleja or Keffi, arguing that such proximity was necessary for him to effectively pursue his appeal.
However, Justice James Omotosho on Monday declined the request, ruling that the court could not issue such an order without first hearing from the Federal Government.
The judge directed Kanu to convert his ex parte application into a motion on notice and serve all relevant parties to enable a fair hearing.
Justice Omotosho subsequently fixed January 27, 2026, for the hearing of the motion.
