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The Defence Consortium representing IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu has stated that the striking out of a motion to transfer him from the Sokoto Correctional Facility “changes nothing.” They insist that Kanu’s case has moved beyond the High Court and is now in the Court of Appeal.
Njoku Jude Njoku, spokesperson for Kanu’s Global Defence Consortium, described the court ruling as “a footnote in a failed process,” adding that the appeal will proceed regardless.
Legal Aid Concerns
The Consortium accused the Federal Government of imposing a Legal Aid lawyer on Kanu after allegedly restricting his access to his chosen legal team. They described the proceedings as “procedural theatre” aimed at creating headlines rather than addressing fundamental issues in the judgment under appeal.
Reason for Transfer Motion
Kanu had requested the transfer to a custodial facility within the court’s jurisdiction, or closer to Abuja, such as Suleja or Keffi. This was to enable him to personally interface with the Court of Appeal, prepare his notice of appeal, and access his relatives, associates, and legal consultants, all based in Abuja. Sokoto, approximately 700 kilometres away, was deemed impractical.
The court had earlier declined to hear the motion on December 4, 2025, after Kanu’s younger brother attempted to move it despite not being a legal practitioner.
Withdrawal of Lawyer
At a resumed hearing, Kanu’s lawyer, Asan, applied to withdraw from the case due to irreconcilable differences. Justice Omotosho granted the withdrawal and struck out the suit.
The Defence Consortium said the involvement of a Legal Aid lawyer who had no access to Kanu “deepens the farce.” They added that Kanu has been drafting his own court documents due to restrictions on his legal team.
Alleged Defects in Conviction
The Consortium alleged that Kanu’s conviction contains “incurable defects,” including:
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Lack of jurisdiction
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Conviction under a repealed law
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Denial of fair hearing
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Reliance on unproved facts
They stated that the appeal is now inevitable. “This matter has moved irreversibly beyond the trial court. It is now for the Court of Appeal, where the judiciary itself will be tested,” the statement read.
The consortium added that Kanu’s continued detention in Sokoto highlights the flaws in the process rather than validating the judgment. They concluded that Tuesday’s proceedings “weakened, rather than strengthened, the judgment under challenge.”
