Court rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s Sokoto prison transfer request

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed an application by IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, seeking his transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Centre to a facility within the Federal Capital Territory or nearby Nasarawa State.

Kanu, through the Legal Aid Council, had filed an ex-parte application asking the court to direct the Federal Government or the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to move him to either Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja or Keffi Custodial Centre in Nasarawa.

In the alternative, he asked to be transferred to any custodial facility within the court’s jurisdiction, including Suleja or Keffi, to enable him to effectively pursue his appeal.

However, Justice James Omotosho on Monday declined the request, ruling that such an order could not be granted without hearing from the Federal Government.

The judge directed Kanu to convert the ex-parte application into a motion on notice and serve all parties to allow fair hearing.

Justice Omotosho subsequently fixed January 27, 2026, for the hearing of the motion.