A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed an application filed by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, seeking his transfer from a correctional facility in Sokoto State to another prison, preferably closer to Abuja.
The ruling was delivered on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, by Justice James Kolawole Omotosho.
Kanu, who is currently serving a life sentence following his conviction on terrorism-related charges late last year, had approached the court through an ex-parte motion. He requested an order directing the Federal Government and the Nigerian Correctional Service to immediately relocate him from Sokoto.
At the hearing, Kanu’s counsel from the Legal Aid Council, Demdoo Asan, informed the court of his intention to withdraw from the case. Asan explained that despite maintaining regular telephone communication with Kanu’s family members, they failed to visit his office to sign essential documents required to prosecute the application.
He further disclosed that Kanu had attempted to dictate how the case should be argued, including insisting on drafting submissions for counsel to present in court. Asan said such conduct was incompatible with professional ethics and his duty as an officer of the court.
According to him, after consultations with the leadership of the Legal Aid Council, it was jointly resolved that the council should discontinue representation in the matter if the client insisted on controlling legal strategy. He therefore formally applied for leave to withdraw from the case on behalf of himself and the council.
Justice Omotosho granted the request, commending the lawyer for upholding the integrity of the legal profession and the dignity of the court. He ruled that the Legal Aid Council was discharged from further representation of Kanu in the application.
The judge also faulted the relocation request itself, noting that the court had earlier ordered that all respondents be properly served with the motion in the interest of fair hearing. However, from December 2025 to the date of the ruling, no proof of service had been presented.
In view of the counsel’s withdrawal and the failure to comply with procedural requirements, Justice Omotosho held that the application was incompetent and struck it out.
As a result, Kanu remains in custody at the Sokoto correctional facility. His legal team has indicated its intention to challenge the ruling on appeal.
