The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed an ex-parte motion filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in which he sought a transfer from the Sokoto correctional facility.
Justice James Kolawole Omotosho struck out the application after Kanu’s legal team from the Legal Aid Council withdrew, citing irreconcilable disagreements with their client.
At Monday’s hearing, Demdoo Asan, a senior legal officer representing Kanu, informed the court that he wished to withdraw from the case. He explained that despite repeated phone communication, Kanu’s relatives had failed to appear at the Legal Aid Council offices to depose to the application, undermining the proper handling of the matter.
Asan further revealed that Kanu had attempted to control what counsel would present in court, insisting on dictating the arguments and submissions.
“He wants to write down what I would say while in court. As an officer of the court, I cannot accept that in good conscience,” he stated.
Following consultations with his superiors, they agreed that the Legal Aid Council could not compromise professional independence, advising that Kanu could seek alternative legal representation if dissatisfied.
Invoking Order 50, Rule 1 of the Federal High Court Rules, Asan formally requested permission to withdraw from the case.
Justice Omotosho praised the counsel for upholding the court’s integrity and granted the withdrawal of the Legal Aid Council from representing Kanu. The judge further ruled that the ex-parte motion was incompetent but directed that all other parties involved in the matter be properly served notice to ensure fairness.
The court noted that from the previous sitting on December 8, 2025, until January 27, 2026, no proof of service had been filed, reinforcing the lack of procedural compliance. Consequently, the motion was struck out for being legally untenable, ending Kanu’s immediate attempt to secure a transfer from Sokoto prison.
This latest development adds to Kanu’s ongoing legal challenges, following previous appeals and motions relating to his imprisonment and conditions of detention.
