Why I Don’t Want To Stay In Sokoto Prison

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has filed a new motion before the Federal High Court in Abuja, arguing that his continued detention in Sokoto is obstructing his ability to appeal his recent conviction.

Kanu, who was sentenced to life imprisonment on terrorism charges, personally signed the motion ex parte, which was formally presented in court on Thursday by his younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu.

According to the application, Kanu’s transfer to the Sokoto Correctional Facility on November 21, 2025—more than 700 kilometres from Abuja—has made it nearly impossible for him to exercise his constitutional right to appeal.

The motion states that Kanu is currently without legal representation and intends to personally prepare and file his appeal documents. This, he argues, requires direct interaction with the Court Registry in Abuja, as well as access to relatives, associates, and consultants who are all based in the capital.

Kanu further contends that remaining in Sokoto creates “exceptional hardship” that effectively undermines his right to fair hearing and appeal, contrary to Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution.

He is asking the court to order his transfer back to Abuja to ensure he can properly pursue his appeal.