Nnamdi Kanu’s Plea: Why Sokoto Prison Isn’t Suitable for His Detention

Nnamdi Kanu’s Plea: Why Sokoto Prison Isn’t Suitable for His Detention

Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has filed a fresh motion before the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to be transferred from the Sokoto Correctional Facility. Kanu’s request stems from the challenges he faces in preparing and filing his appeal while being detained in Sokoto, over 700 km away from Abuja .

Kanu’s legal team highlighted the difficulties of preparing his appeal from Sokoto, citing the need for direct interaction with the registry of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal in Abuja. Additionally, all individuals who could assist Kanu in the appeal process, including relatives, associates, and legal consultants, are based in Abuja, making it practically impossible for him to exercise his constitutional right to appeal .

Kanu has requested that the court order his transfer to a custodial facility within Abuja’s jurisdiction or to a nearby facility such as the Suleja or Keffi Correctional Centre. This, he believes, would enable him to pursue his appeal effectively and ensure that his rights are protected .

The case highlights the importance of ensuring that individuals have access to fair representation and the ability to exercise their constitutional rights, even in the face of detention. The outcome of Kanu’s plea could have significant implications for the administration of justice in Nigeria .