Tag: Sokoto Prison

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has paid a visit to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), at the Sokoto Correctional Centre. Former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore commended the visit, describing it as a strong show of support. “Thank you so much, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, for taking the time to visit Mazi Nnamdi Kanu today. Your visitation represents the solidarity of Sokoto Diocese with #MNK during this challenging time,” Sowore said. Kanu was convicted on terrorism charges by the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 20, 2025, and sentenced to life imprisonment. He was transferred to the Sokoto Correctional Centre the following day, following a court order that barred him from being held at Kuje Prison. The conviction followed prosecution on seven terrorism-related counts, including incitement and unlawful broadcasts. Justice James Omotosho found Kanu guilty on all counts and sentenced him to life imprisonment. Since his transfer, Kanu’s legal team has filed motions requesting his return to Abuja to facilitate his appeal. They argue that the distance makes it difficult to access court records, prepare his defense, and meet with lawyers. His team also contends that Nigeria lacked jurisdiction over broadcasts made in the UK, describing the trial as rushed and flawed. The court had ruled that Kanu could be detained in any correctional facility except Kuje Prison. Notable figures, including Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti and Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu, visited Kanu at the custodial centre in late November.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has refused to consider an application filed by the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, seeking an immediate transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Facility to a custodial centre closer to the court. Kanu had approached the court through an ex parte motion, asking that he be moved either to Suleja or Keffi custodial centres to enable him pursue his appeal more effectively. The application was brought by a lawyer from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Demdoo Asan. However, Justice James Omotosho ruled that such a request could not be granted without hearing from the respondents — the Federal Government and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). The judge held that since the order sought would directly affect the agencies, they must first be properly notified and given the opportunity to respond. While reviewing the application, the judge specifically questioned the use of the word “compel” in the relief seeking to force the government and the correctional service to transfer Kanu. Following this, the lawyer agreed to withdraw that part of the request, and the court formally struck it out. Justice Omotosho also queried why the application was brought as an ex parte motion when judgment in the matter had earlier been delivered in the presence of both parties. The judge stressed that even a law school student should know such an application must be brought on notice. Asan admitted that the respondents ought to be served and heard before any decision could be made. He explained that he had only just taken over the case on instruction from his superiors while he was on leave. The court further discovered that Kanu’s notice of appeal was filed on November 10, before the judgment was delivered on November 20, making it ineffective. Based on this, Justice Omotosho held that there was no valid notice of appeal before the court. The case was subsequently adjourned to January 27, 2026, to allow Kanu to properly serve the relevant parties and regularise his application.