The Digest:
IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja with an urgent plea. He is seeking a transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Facility, arguing that his detention over 700km from the capital fundamentally obstructs his constitutional right to appeal his recent life sentence.
Key Points:
- Nnamdi Kanu has filed a motion before the Federal High Court in Abuja, requesting a transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Facility.
- His core argument is that detention in Sokoto, over 700 kilometers from Abuja, makes it impossible for him to personally prepare and file an appeal against his conviction and life sentence.
- He stated that all his relatives, associates, and potential legal consultants are based in Abuja, rendering his right to appeal "impracticable" from Sokoto.
- Kanu asked the court to order his transfer to a facility within its jurisdiction, suggesting the Suleja or Keffi Custodial Centre as alternatives.
- The trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, declined to hear the motion when presented by Kanu's brother, Emmanuel, stating that only a qualified legal practitioner could move such an application.
- The court has adjourned the hearing of the motion to Monday, December 8th.
- Justice Omotosho also corrected public commentary, stating a convict does not need to be physically present in court to compile an appeal record, clarifying that this task falls to a legal representative.
Sources: Vanguard Nigeria, The Cable
