The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed December 8 for the hearing of an ex-parte motion filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), seeking his transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Centre to a custodial facility closer to the Federal Capital Territory.
Justice James Omotosho set the date on Thursday after declining to hear the motion when Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel, attempted to appear on his behalf despite not being a lawyer.
The judge ruled that only a qualified legal practitioner can move such an application.
In the motion personally signed by him, Kanu requested that the court deem the application as moved in absentia, since he is unable to appear in court to argue it.
He also sought an order compelling the Federal Government or the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to immediately transfer him from Sokoto to a facility within the court’s jurisdiction—preferably Suleja or Keffi—to enable him effectively prosecute his appeal.
Kanu, who was convicted of terrorism charges on November 20 and sentenced to life imprisonment, was moved to the Sokoto Correctional Facility on November 21, in line with the court’s order directing that he be detained anywhere in Nigeria except Kuje.
He argued that being held more than 700 kilometres from Abuja makes it nearly impossible for him to prepare and file his appeal, especially as he is currently unrepresented and wishes to handle his appeal personally.
He stated that his family, associates, and consultants who could assist him are also based in Abuja.
When the matter was called, Justice Omotosho insisted that Kanu must be represented by a lawyer, not a family member.
He advised Emmanuel to secure legal representation or approach the Legal Aid Council.
The judge also cautioned against misleading public commentary, faulting comments by lawyer Aloy Ejimakor about Kanu needing to be physically present for his appeal records to be compiled.
He clarified that a convict’s presence is not required for that process.
Justice Omotosho then adjourned the matter to December 8 for hearing of the pending application, once proper legal representation is secured.
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