Court postpones hearing as legal representation dispute stalls motion to relocate convicted IPOB leader from Sokoto prison.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned until December 8 a motion by IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu seeking relocation from Sokoto Correctional Facility to a prison closer to the capital to aid his appeal.
Kanu — convicted on seven terrorism counts on November 20 — was transferred over 700 km from Abuja, prompting him to file for relocation, arguing that his detention in Sokoto makes it difficult to access lawyers, court registries, and file his appeal.
At Thursday’s hearing, his younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, attempted to appear on his behalf, but the presiding judge, James Omotosho, rejected the bid, ruling that only a licensed legal practitioner can represent a defendant.
Justice Omotosho warned that the ex-parte motion would not be heard until it is properly filed by a qualified lawyer, and set the new date for December 8.
As of now, no legal representation has been confirmed, and it remains uncertain whether Kanu will secure counsel before the next hearing.