Biafra
Court Strikes Out Nnamdi Kanu’s Prison Transfer Request Amid Legal Setbacks
Kanu maintained that his continued detention far from Abuja causes exceptional hardship. It could effectively defeat his constitutional right to appeal.
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Why the Abuja Court Dismissed the Application
The Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out an application filed by Nnamdi Kanu. He is the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The application sought his transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Facility to a prison closer to Abuja.
Justice James Omotosho, who delivered the ruling on Tuesday, described the application as incompetent and therefore unsustainable under Nigerian law.
What Prompted the Transfer Request?
Nnamdi Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on November 20, 2025. The court found him guilty on seven terrorism-related charges. These charges were filed by the Federal Government.
In an application personally signed by him, Kanu filed it as FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015. He argued that being held in Sokoto would significantly hinder his ability to pursue an appeal against his conviction.
According to him, the appeal process requires frequent interaction with the Federal High Court registry. It also involves the Court of Appeal in Abuja. He said access is practically impossible from Sokoto.
He also stated that individuals essential to assisting him with the appeal process are all based in Abuja. These individuals include relatives, associates, and legal consultants.
Rights, Distance, and Hardship Claims
Kanu maintained that his continued detention far from Abuja causes exceptional hardship. It could effectively defeat his constitutional right to appeal.
He cited Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). He argued that access to justice includes reasonable opportunity to prepare. It also includes the ability to prosecute an appeal.
The IPOB leader therefore asked the court to compel the Federal Government. He also requested the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to transfer him to a correctional facility within Abuja.
Alternatively, he requested relocation to nearby custodial centres. These include Suleja or Keffi, which fall within the court’s immediate environs.
Legal Representation Complications
The court had initially refused to hear the application on December 4, 2025. Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel, attempted to move the motion. He tried despite not being a licensed legal practitioner.
On December 8, 2025, Demdoo Asan, a lawyer from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACoN), appeared for Kanu. This prompted the court to order service of the application on the Federal Government and prison authorities.
However, during the resumed proceedings, Asan announced his withdrawal from the case.
He cited irreconcilable differences with the applicant. He explained that none of Kanu’s relatives were willing to depose to an affidavit. They did not support the prison transfer request, despite repeated efforts.
The lawyer further alleged that Kanu attempted to dictate how the case should be argued in court. He said this action conflicted with his professional obligations.
Invoking Order 50 Rule 1 of the Federal High Court Rules, Asan formally withdrew.
Court’s Final Ruling
Justice Omotosho granted the lawyer’s withdrawal request. He noted that the court initially allowed the matter to proceed in the interest of justice. However, the application remained fundamentally defective.
The court also observed that required services on relevant parties had not been completed.
Consequently, the application was struck out.
Prophecy Claims Gain Attention After Ruling
The ruling has also renewed public interest in earlier prophetic claims made by Pastor Maxwell Nnawuihe.
On December 11, 2025, the cleric reportedly warned of a crisis. An unfavourable ruling would follow the January 27 decision concerning Nnamdi Kanu’s prison transfer.
In a previous broadcast titled:
From the frame 01.10—2:00 and 25:00—40:00 frame, Pastor Nnawuihe claimed that the transfer ruling would meet crisis and doom. He said it would not favour the IPOB leader if his representatives fail to be proactive.
Following the court’s decision on January 27, he released another broadcast on January 28 titled:
In the broadcast, aired on the Maxwell Nnawuihe YouTube channel, the pastor explained how the December 11 2025 prophecy was fulfilled. He also cautioned that other aspects of the prophecy may still unfold if no corrective steps are taken.
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