Nnamdi Kanu's Legal Team Visits Sokoto Correctional Centre
Maxwell Opara, one of the lead attorneys representing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has spoken out after meeting with the convicted Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader at the Sokoto Correctional Centre. The visit occurred on Sunday, November 23, 2025, just three days after Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment for terrorism charges.
Urgent Appeal Preparations Underway
Opara, accompanied by four other legal associates, revealed that Kanu is personally preparing his appeal despite the challenging circumstances. The lawyer expressed serious concerns about the tight timeline for filing the appeal, emphasizing that valuable days have already been lost since the November 20th judgment.
"As I speak to you, he is preparing his appeal personally," Opara stated during his post-visit briefing. "We are exploring ways to bring him back to Abuja so he can file it, because time is running out."
Controversy Over Sokoto Transfer
The legal team strongly criticized the decision to transfer Kanu to Sokoto, questioning the rationale behind moving him far from Abuja where his appeal must be filed. Opara pointed out that three critical days - Friday, Saturday, and Sunday - had passed without progress due to the geographical complications.
"On what basis was he brought to Sokoto? I don't understand the reason. His appeal is in Abuja," Opara argued, describing the situation as "very unfortunate" for the legal process.
During the visit, observers noted that the legal team left the correctional facility carrying several large documents, indicating the substantial paperwork involved in the case.
Kanu's Condition and Political Reactions
Despite the life sentence and controversial transfer, Opara reported that Kanu remained in high spirits during their meeting. The lawyer's assessment comes amid growing political reactions to Kanu's sentencing.
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has confirmed that strategic efforts to secure Kanu's release have been ongoing since the early stages of the trial. Meanwhile, the presidency has criticized Peter Obi for his comments on the case, accusing the former governor of attempting to politicize a national security matter.
The legal team's urgent focus remains on facilitating Kanu's return to Abuja to ensure the appeal can be filed within the required timeframe, while questions continue to surround the justification for his transfer to Sokoto.
