The Federal High Court in Abuja has declined an ex parte application filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed IPOB, seeking to be moved from the Sokoto Correctional Centre to a custodial facility closer to the court.
Kanu, convicted of terrorism offences, had asked the court to compel the Federal Government and the Nigerian Correctional Service to transfer him either to Suleja or Keffi Custodial Centre to help him pursue his appeal effectively.
Justice James Omotosho ruled that such a request cannot be granted without hearing from the respondents. He emphasized that both the Federal Government and the NCoS must be put on notice before the court can make any order on the matter.
Kanu’s lawyer, Demdoo Asan of the Legal Aid Council, agreed that the respondents needed to be notified. The court subsequently struck out the first relief in the application and ordered the prosecution and the NCoS to be served.
Justice Omotosho also pointed out that the notice of appeal referenced in the application was filed on November 10 — before the judgment delivered on November 20 — meaning there was no valid appeal before the court.
The case was adjourned to January 27, 2026, to allow proper service on all necessary parties.
