IPOB Warns Kanu’s Transfer to Sokoto Prison Endangers His Life, Threatens Appeal Rights

By Charity Uwakwe

“IPOB warns that moving Nnamdi Kanu to Sokoto prison endangers his safety and could obstruct his right to appeal. The group calls for international monitoring and urges the Federal Government to uphold constitutional safeguards.”

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has condemned the transfer of its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to a correctional facility in Sokoto State, warning that the move poses serious risks to his safety and may impede his constitutional right to pursue an appeal.

In a statement issued on Sunday, IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful, described both the life sentence and the transfer as “malicious,” alleging they are part of a sustained campaign against Kanu and the wider Biafra self-determination movement.

According to the statement, relocating Kanu to Sokoto—a region currently grappling with heightened insecurity—“jeopardises his wellbeing” and could frustrate his access to legal representation.

IPOB urged the Federal Government to “guarantee Kanu’s safety” and ensure that none of his legal rights, including the right of appeal, are violated. The group said the security situation across parts of the North-West makes the decision particularly troubling.

Reacting further, IPOB appealed to the international community to closely monitor developments surrounding Kanu’s incarceration. It also accused the government of breaching constitutional norms, including the Federal Character principle.

“We are a peaceful and disciplined movement,” the group said. “The only way to defuse tensions is for the government to allow Biafrans to exercise self-determination through a United Nations-supervised referendum. Nigerians and the international community must ensure that no harm befalls Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and that his right of appeal is fully protected.”

Kanu Now In Sokoto Prison — Lawyer Confirms

Confirming the development, Kanu’s counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, revealed that the IPOB leader had been moved from the Department of State Services (DSS) facility in Abuja to the Sokoto Medium Security Custodial Centre.

“MAZI NNAMDI KANU has just been moved from DSS Abuja to the correctional facility in Sokoto; so far away from his lawyers, family, loved ones and well-wishers,” Ejimakor posted on X.

The transfer followed last Thursday’s judgment by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who convicted Kanu of multiple terrorism-related charges.

Court Describes Kanu as ‘Dangerous’ and Unfit for Regular Custody

Justice Omotosho sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment on counts one, four, five and six of the seven-count charge, and imposed additional terms of 20 years and five years on counts three and seven, respectively.

The judge held that the prosecution had “successfully established every allegation,” adding that Kanu “offered no credible defence” and “deliberately refused” to challenge key pieces of evidence.

Describing Kanu as “a person who cannot be allowed to remain in the company of sane minds” and “an international terrorist,” Omotosho said his conduct during proceedings showed he had “the tendency of violence.”

The court ruled that Kanu must be held in a facility deemed suitable for his profile, noting that Kuje Prison was not appropriate. It further directed that he must not be allowed to use any electronic devices except under the strict supervision of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The judge also ordered the forfeiture of items recovered from him, including a transmitter allegedly smuggled into the country.