Court declines Kanu’s request to be moved from Sokoto prison

An ex parte request by Nnamdi Kanu seeking a transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Centre to a facility closer to the capital on Monday, rejected by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Kanu, who was convicted on 20 November 2025 and sentenced to life imprisonment on seven terrorism related charges, was transferred to Sokoto a day later on security grounds.

Kanu, in his application filed through the Legal Aid Council, argued that the more than 700 kilometre distance undermines his right to fair hearing and restricts access to his family and legal advisers in Abuja as he prepares his appeal. He asked to be moved to Kuje, Suleja, or Keffi prisons.

However, Justice James Omotosho, in his ruling, held that Kanu’s request did not meet the threshold for an ex parte order and could not be granted without hearing the respondents, noting the security concerns surrounding Kanu’s detention.

The ruling leaves Kanu, who is now representing himself after dismissing his legal team, with limited access to support as he works within the 90 day window to file an appeal against his sentence.

Source: The Nation