- Court Sets Date For Hearing Of Nnamdi Kanu’s Transfer Request.
- Judge rejects brother’s appearance, insists Kanu must secure a lawyer.
- Kanu seeks relocation to Abuja area to file appeal effectively.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed December 8 for the hearing of an ex parte motion filed by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, who is seeking his transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Centre to a facility closer to Abuja.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Justice James Omotosho set the new date after declining to take the application on Thursday due to the absence of legal representation for the applicant.
Kanu, who personally signed the motion, asked the court to deem it moved in his absence because he is unable to appear physically.
He is requesting an order directing the Federal Government or the Nigerian Correctional Service to move him from the Sokoto facility to a custodial centre within Abuja’s jurisdiction. In the alternative, he asked to be relocated to Suleja or Keffi to enable him to prepare and file his appeal properly.
When the matter was called, Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, attempted to appear on his behalf. The judge refused to entertain the motion, explaining that Emmanuel was not qualified to represent him since he is not a lawyer. Justice Omotosho advised him to secure a legal practitioner or approach the Legal Aid Council for assistance.
The judge also addressed public comments made by one of Kanu’s former lawyers, Aloy Ejimakor, clarifying that a convict does not need to be present in court to compile appeal records.
He cautioned against misleading the public and stressed the need for proper legal guidance in the case.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to December 8 for the hearing of the motion.
Kanu maintains that his transfer to a facility over 700 kilometres from Abuja has hindered his ability to file an appeal and consult with those assisting him.
He argued that moving him closer to the capital is necessary to protect his constitutional right to appeal.
