The Abuja Federal High Court has struck out an ex-parte motion filed by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, seeking his transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Facility.
Justice James Kolawole Omotosho delivered the ruling on Tuesday, following developments in the case where Kanu’s counsel, Demdoo Asan of the Legal Aid Council, sought to withdraw from representing him.
Asan cited irreconcilable differences, stating that Kanu’s relatives failed to appear at his office to depose to the application despite repeated phone calls and assurances. He also alleged that Kanu sought to dictate what counsel should present in court.
“He wants to write down what I would say while in court. But as an officer of the court, I cannot in good faith accept that,” Asan told the court. He added that after consulting his superiors, the Legal Aid Council shares the view that legal officers must handle matters independently, and an applicant unwilling to comply may seek representation elsewhere.
Justice Omotosho commended the counsel for upholding the dignity of the court and granted leave for the Legal Aid Council to withdraw. He declared the motion incompetent and ordered that all other parties involved be properly served.
“In the interest of justice and fairness, this court directed that other parties involved in the matter be served on notice. But since the last court sitting on 8th December, 2025, until today, 27th January, 2026, there is no proof of service before this court,” the judge stated.
The court subsequently struck out the ex-parte motion for lacking competence, effectively halting Kanu’s attempt to secure a transfer.
