The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed an application by convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, seeking a transfer from Sokoto Correctional Centre to a custodial facility in the Federal Capital Territory or nearby Nasarawa State.
Kanu, through the Legal Aid Council, had filed an ex-parte application requesting that the Federal Government or the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) immediately transfer him to either Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja or Keffi Custodial Centre in Nasarawa.
He also requested, alternatively, to be transferred to any facility within the court’s jurisdiction, including Suleja or Keffi, to better pursue his appeal.
Kanu’s lawyers argued that the transfer would enable him to participate more effectively in his legal defence and ongoing appeal, saying his current custody arrangement hindered his right to due process.
However, Justice James Omotosho, on Monday, rejected the application, noting that the court could not issue an order of such consequence without allowing the Federal Government, a central party to the suit, to formally respond.
The judge emphasised that fairness demands that every party be heard before decisions affecting them are rendered.
“The court cannot depart from established principles of fair hearing regardless of public interest,” he said.
Justice Omotosho further directed Kanu’s counsel to convert the ex-parte request into a motion on notice and serve the necessary parties.
The court insisted that this procedural shift would allow a response before any transfer order could be considered valid.
The matter has been adjourned to January 27, 2026, when the motion is expected to be heard with full arguments from both sides.
