Federal High Court Rejects Nnamdi Kanu's Bid for Prison Relocation
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has struck out a motion filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the convicted leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which sought his relocation from the Sokoto Correctional Centre where he is currently detained. The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, by Justice James Omotosho, declared the application incompetent due to Kanu's failure to adhere to previous judicial directives.
Procedural Lapses Lead to Dismissal
In his judgment, Justice Omotosho emphasized that the court had earlier, on December 8, 2025, ordered Kanu to convert the motion ex parte into a motion on notice and ensure proper service to all affected parties. This step was crucial to allow for a fair hearing and consideration of any potential impacts from the court's decision.
The judge stated, "In respect of the application before this court, it has to do with an application that was brought incompetently, as per seeking the movements of the convict from where he is presently kept. The application is not competent. However, in the interest of justice, when it came up, the court gave a hint and urged that the same be converted, in other words, telling the applicant to go and file a motion on notice."
Failure to Comply with Court Orders
Justice Omotosho noted that Kanu did not fulfill this requirement within the specified timeframe. "The applicant, having not filed the motion on notice today, the 27th day of January, 2026, there is no application for determination before this court," he explained. Consequently, the motion ex parte was struck out, as there was no substantive matter left for the court to adjudicate upon.
This ruling effectively terminates Kanu's efforts to secure a transfer from the Sokoto facility, underscoring the judiciary's insistence on strict adherence to legal procedures. The case highlights the ongoing legal challenges faced by the IPOB leader, who has been at the centre of numerous court battles related to his detention and trial.
Implications for Kanu's Legal Journey
The dismissal of this motion adds another layer to Kanu's complex legal saga, which has drawn significant attention both domestically and internationally. It reinforces the principle that all parties must follow due process, regardless of the nature of their requests. As Kanu remains in Sokoto prison, this development may influence future legal strategies and appeals in his case.
Observers note that the court's decision reflects a broader trend in Nigeria's judicial system, where procedural compliance is paramount. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of meeting court deadlines and requirements to avoid such setbacks in legal proceedings.
