By Daniel Peters in Abuja.
Aloy Ejimakor, lawyer to the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has raised concerns over his client’s sudden transfer from Abuja to a correctional facility in Sokoto following his sentencing.
Ejimakor, in a post on X, said Kanu was moved from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to the Sokoto Correctional Centre, describing the relocation as “so far away from his lawyers, family, loved ones and well-wishers.”
Our Correspondent recalls that on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted Kanu of terrorism and sentenced him to life imprisonment on counts one, four, five, and six of the seven-count charge. He also handed the IPOB leader 20 years’ imprisonment on count three and five years on count seven.
Delivering judgment, Justice Omotosho said the prosecution proved all allegations against Kanu, adding that the defendant “offered no credible defence” and “deliberately refused” to challenge the evidence presented in court.
The judge described Kanu as “a person who cannot be allowed to remain in the company of sane minds,” labeling him an “international terrorist.” He ruled that Kanu’s conduct during trial made him unsuitable for Kuje Prison.
According to Omotosho, Kanu exhibited violent tendencies throughout the proceedings, and therefore must be held in “protective custody” in any facility deemed appropriate by authorities.
He further ordered that Kanu must not be allowed access to electronic devices, including phones, and may only use any device under strict supervision of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). Items recovered from him, including a smuggled transmitter, were ordered forfeited to the federal government.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
