The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled December 8 to consider a fresh application filed by the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, seeking to be moved out of the Sokoto Correctional Centre.
Justice James Omotosho fixed the date after a brief session that turned dramatic when Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel, attempted to stand in for him in court.
The judge immediately declined, noting that only a licensed legal practitioner can appear on behalf of a defendant or a convict.
Kanu, who personally signed the motion ex parte, is asking the court to treat the application as already moved because he cannot physically appear to argue it.
He wants an order directing the Federal Government and the Nigerian Correctional Service to relocate him from the Sokoto prison to a facility within the jurisdiction of the Abuja court.
He argues that the long distance between Abuja and Sokoto is preventing him from preparing his notice of appeal and accessing those who can assist him.
As an alternative, he requested that he be moved to Suleja or Keffi Custodial Centres, which are closer to Abuja.
Kanu was convicted on November 20 on terrorism-related charges and handed a life sentence.
He was immediately moved out of Abuja and taken to the Sokoto Correctional Facility on November 21.
Before his conviction, Kanu had dismissed his legal team and opted to represent himself.
During Thursday’s proceedings, Justice Omotosho made it clear that Kanu must secure a qualified lawyer to handle the matter.
The judge told Emmanuel that family members cannot stand as legal representatives in court, stressing that the law is explicit on who can move an application of such nature.
He also addressed public comments suggesting that Kanu must be physically present in court to compile his appeal record.
The judge described such claims as misleading, explaining that a convict does not have to appear in person for the compilation of appeal documents.
According to him, it is a routine administrative process handled by court officers and legal representatives.
Justice Omotosho went further to warn against spreading incorrect interpretations of court procedures.
He insisted that Kanu must hire a competent lawyer who understands appellate practice to avoid delays that could hinder the appeal.
After refusing Emmanuel audience, the judge adjourned the matter to December 8, when the court will formally hear the application for transfer.
In the motion, Kanu listed several grounds, stating that his present location makes it impossible to consult with family members, associates, or legal consultants who are all based in Abuja.
He said the difficulty in accessing him undermines his constitutional right to appeal under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution.
He maintained that only a relocation to a facility near Abuja will allow him to properly follow through with his appeal against the conviction and life sentence.
