Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday stopped Prince Emmanuel Kanu from appearing on behalf of his brother, Nnamdi Kanu, ruling that only a qualified lawyer can move a court application.
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), recently convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, had filed a fresh motion asking to be moved from Sokoto prison to a facility closer to Abuja so he can pursue his appeal. The motion was brought to court by his brother due to his inability to appear in person.
However, when the case was called, Justice Omotosho refused to hear the application from Emmanuel, insisting he lacked the legal qualification to represent a person in court. The judge explained that only a licensed legal practitioner can move such motions, telling Emmanuel that becoming a lawyer would take “another six years or thereabout.”
The court advised the applicant to hire a lawyer or seek assistance from the Legal Aid Council. Emmanuel then asked for a new date, and Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter to December 8.
