Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has dismissed an ex-parte application filed by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, seeking his transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Centre to a custodial facility within the Federal Capital Territory or neighbouring Nasarawa State.
Kanu, through the Legal Aid Council, had asked the court to order the Federal Government or the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to immediately move him to the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja or the Keffi Custodial Centre in Nasarawa.
In the alternative, he sought to be relocated to any facility within the court’s territorial jurisdiction—including Suleja or Keffi—to enable him pursue his appeal more effectively.
During Saturday’s proceedings (December 8), Justice Omotosho declined to grant the request, stating that such an order could not be made without hearing from the Federal Government.
The court subsequently directed Kanu to convert the ex-parte application into a motion on notice and serve all necessary parties to ensure fair hearing.
Justice Omotosho thereafter adjourned the matter to January 27, 2026, for hearing of the motion.