Justice James Kolawole Omotosho of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has struck out an ex-parte motion filed by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, seeking his transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Facility.
At Tuesday’s court proceedings, Kanu’s counsel, Demdoo Asan, a senior legal officer with the Legal Aid Council, informed the court of his decision to withdraw from the case, citing irreconcilable differences with the applicant.
Asan told the court that since the last adjourned date, he had maintained constant communication with Kanu’s relatives, who were expected to depose to the application. However, he said they failed to show up at his office despite repeated phone calls and assurances.
According to the counsel, Kanu also attempted to dictate how the case should be handled and what submissions should be made in court.
“He wants to write down what I would say while in court. But as an officer of the court, I can’t in good faith accept that,” Asan stated.
He added that after consulting with his superiors at the Legal Aid Council, they all agreed that legal practitioners must be allowed to conduct matters professionally and independently, stressing that if an applicant insists otherwise, he is free to seek representation elsewhere.
Consequently, Asan invoked Order 50 Rule 1 of the Federal High Court Rules and formally applied to withdraw from the matter.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho commended the counsel for upholding the dignity and integrity of the court. The judge granted leave for Asan and the Legal Aid Council to withdraw from representing Kanu.
Justice Omotosho further held that the ex-parte motion before the court was incompetent.
“In the interest of justice and fairness, this court directed that other parties involved in the matter be served on notice. However, from the last sitting on 8th December 2025 to today, 27th January 2026, there is no proof of service before this court,” the judge said.
He subsequently ordered that the ex-parte motion be struck out for lacking competence.
