Nnamdi Kanu Asks Court to Move Him From Sokoto Prison, Cites Hardship Blocking His Appeal IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, recently sentenced to life imprisonment, has filed a fresh motion at the Federal High Court in Abuja requesting his transfer from the Sokoto Custodial Centre. Kanu argued that being detained over 700 kilometres away from Abuja makes it impossible for him to effectively prepare and pursue his appeal, describing the situation as a violation of his constitutional rights. His motion—personally signed—was presented by his brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, who urged the court to hear the case in Kanu’s absence. However, Justice James Omotosho rejected Emmanuel’s appearance, ruling that he could not represent the convict because he is not a lawyer. Kanu asked to be moved to a facility within Abuja’s jurisdiction or to a closer correctional centre such as Suleja or Keffi. The court adjourned the hearing to 8 December 2025, advising Kanu to hire legal counsel. The judge also cautioned the public against misinterpreting court processes regarding appeal documentation.

Court Rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s Bid to Leave Sokoto Prison, Says Brother Cannot Represent Him The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a fresh attempt by IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu to challenge his placement in Sokoto prison. His younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu, appeared before the court to move a motion seeking Kanu’s transfer to Abuja, arguing it would allow him to properly pursue his appeal. However, Justice James Omotosho refused to hear the motion, stating that Emmanuel could not represent the convict because he is not a lawyer. The judge ruled that only a legal practitioner can move such an application on behalf of a sentenced person. Kanu was recently handed multiple prison terms, including life imprisonment, for terrorism-related offences. His sentencing continues to spark national debate, with analysts urging dialogue to address tensions in the southeast.

Otti Visits IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu In Sokoto Prison Facility Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has visited the detained leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, at a correctional facility in Sokoto State. Governor Otti was accompanied by Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu; the Abia State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN); and his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma. According to a statement from the governor’s spokesman, officials of the Sokoto State Government were also present during the visit. #AlexOtti #NnamdiKanu #AbiaState #NigeriaNews

Sowore Regains Freedom After Four Days in Kuje Prison. Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, has been released after spending four days in detention at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja. Sowore confirmed his release on Monday through a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, writing: “Leaving Kuje Prison in Abuja after being detained there illegally for four days by @officialABAT illegal IGP, Kayode Egbetokun. #FreeNnamdiKanuNow.” The activist was arrested on October 23 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he had gone to see the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, during one of his court appearances. His arrest followed a #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest outside the court, which was dispersed by police officers using tear gas and warning sh+ts. The demonstration was organized to demand the unconditional release of Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021. On October 24, the Kuje Magistrate Court granted Sowore and others arrested alongside him bail in the sum of ₦500,000 each. The court, presided over by Abubakar Umar Sai’I’d, also ordered each defendant to submit their National Identification Number (NIN), three-year tax clearance certificate, and passport as part of the bail conditions. Sowore was arraigned alongside Emmanuel Kanu, Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, and Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor. The police accused them of unlawful assembly and disturbance of public peace, alleging they trespassed into restricted areas during the protest. His release marks the end of a four-day detention that began with his arrest on October 23.

Omoyele Sowore and Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer Released After Four Days in Kuje Prison. According to a report by Channels TV, human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and lawyer Aloy Ejimakor, representing Nnamdi Kanu, have been released from Kuje Prison after four days in detention. Their detention followed their appearance at the Kuje Magistrate Court last week in connection with the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held in the Federal Capital Territory. On Friday, the court, presided over by Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id, granted bail to Sowore, Ejimakor, Prince Emmanuel Kanu (Nnamdi Kanu’s brother), and ten others. The defendants had been charged with unlawful assembly and disturbance of public peace. Each was granted N500,000 bail, required two sureties residing in the FCT, valid identification, a three-year tax clearance, and the surrender of their passports. Following their release on Monday, Ejimakor described the detention experience as “traumatic and inhumane,” criticizing the police for the excessive use of force during and after the protest. He noted that officers deployed tear gas directly at protesters and engaged in aggressive conduct even after control had been established. Ejimakor clarified that the protest targeted the presidency and the perceived unjust prosecution of Nnamdi Kanu, rather than the judiciary. He argued that any withdrawal of the case by the presidency or attorney general would leave the court with no basis to proceed.

Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor Collapses In Kuje Prison. Aloy Ejimakor, Special Counsel to detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has collapsed while in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja. This development is happening barely 24 hours after the presiding magistrate, Abubakar Umar Sai’id, allegedly refused to sign his bail bond for release. Ejimakor was said to have slumped after complaining of weakness and difficulty standing. Prison medical staff rushed to attend to him. His condition is believed to be getting worse, and authorities are considering transferring him to a hospital for urgent care. Ejimakor is among 13 individuals arrested earlier in the week during the “#FreeNnamdiKanuNow” protest. Those arrested also include Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu. They were reportedly tear-gassed, beaten, and taken into custody before being moved to the notorious SARS detention facility known as “Abattoir”. On Tuesday, they were taken to the Kuje Magistrate Court without their legal team present. The magistrate ordered their remand, and despite granting bail the following day, he allegedly disappeared without endorsing the bail documents. Human rights activists have since raised concerns over the treatment of the lawyer and others arrested, accusing security agencies of intimidation and abuse of power. However, lawyers and supporters are demanding immediate medical attention and full respect for their legal rights.

Court Grants Sowore, Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, and 11 Others Bail. A Magistrate’s Court in Kuje, Abuja, on Friday granted bail to publisher and activist Omoyele Sowore; Aloy Ejimakor, a member of the legal team representing detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu; his brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu; and ten others, in the sum of ₦500,000 each, with two sureties in like sum. The thirteen defendants were arrested and arraigned before the court on charges of inciting public disturbance and breach of peace following the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held on October 20 in Abuja. While Ejimakor, Emmanuel Kanu, and the ten others were arrested during the protest and remanded at the Kuje Correctional Facility, Sowore was later apprehended on October 23 at the premises of the Federal High Court, Abuja, where he had gone to show solidarity during Kanu’s terrorism trial. The court, after hearing the bail applications, granted all thirteen defendants temporary freedom pending further proceedings.

Sowore’s Arrest Inside Courtroom Is An Open Assault On Democracy – Atiku. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate release of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who was arrested in Abuja. Sowore was taken into custody by security officers at the Federal High Court in Abuja after meeting with detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu. His arrest came just days after he organised a nationwide protest tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow on October 20, calling for Kanu’s unconditional release. The protest was disrupted by security agents who used teargas to scatter demonstrators. Several participants, including Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, and his brother, Emmanuel Kanu, were detained alongside others. Sowore, who initially escaped, was later arrested at the court on October 23. Reacting to the incident, Atiku, in a tweet, condemned Sowore’s arrest, describing it as a shameful attack on democracy and the rule of law. He said the move shows the government’s growing intolerance toward opposing views. He called on the authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Sowore and other detained protesters, stressing that citizens have the constitutional right to protest peacefully.

Court remands Nnamdi Kanu’s Brother, Ejimakor, others in Kuje Prison. A magistrate court sitting in Kuje, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has ordered the remand of Prince Emmanuel Kanu, brother to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, alongside his legal counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor. Their remand followed their participation in the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, which took place on Monday in Abuja. Confirming the development, Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother, Kanuta Kanu, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the court session on Tuesday, described the action as a “conspiracy among the executive, legislature, and judiciary to frustrate Kanu’s trial scheduled for Thursday.” According to court documents shared by former National Human Rights Commission chairman, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, the police arraigned Ejimakor, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and ten others on charges bordering on incitement and breach of public peace. The charge sheet alleged that the accused persons violated a court order by staging a protest that disrupted public movement, obstructed traffic, and chanted songs calling for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu. The Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, had earlier disclosed on a live television programme that those arrested during the protest would face prosecution after investigation. Both Ejimakor and Kanu’s brother have now been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending further proceedings.

Court Remands Nnamdi Kanu’s Brother and Lead Counsel Over Abuja Protest. A Magistrate Court sitting in Kuje, Abuja, has ordered the remand of Prince Emmanuel Kanu the younger brother of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu along with his lawyer, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor. The development was made public by Kanunta Kanu, another sibling of the IPOB leader, who alleged via a post on X that the move was part of a coordinated effort by the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government to frustrate Nnamdi Kanu’s upcoming trial scheduled for Thursday. “The magistrate sitting in Kuje remanded Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, the lead counsel in Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case, and Prince Emmanuel Kanu, his youngest brother. This is a conspiracy from the executive, legislature, and judiciary to frustrate Kanu’s trial on Thursday,” Kanunta Kanu posted. It would be recalled that the Nigeria Police had earlier arraigned Ejimakor, Emmanuel Kanu, and ten others in connection with a protest held in Abuja on Monday. Court documents shared by the former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, revealed that the defendants were charged with inciting disturbance and breach of public peace. According to the charge sheet, they allegedly obstructed traffic flow, restricted citizens’ movement, and chanted war songs while demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

#FreeNnamdiKanu: APC Came To Power Through Protests, Now Scared Of Protests – Wabara Fumes. Former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara, has called for the immediate release of all protesters arrested in Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstration in Abuja. Speaking via a statement on Tuesday, Wabara condemned the action of some security operatives who fired teargas canisters at peaceful protesters. He urged President Bola Tinubu to call the security operatives to order, describing the intimidation and arrest of peaceful protesters as “a serious dent on Nigeria’s global image.” The elder statesman also frowned at the alleged manhandling of a journalist covering the protest whose camera was reportedly broken by some overzealous security operatives. According to the former Senate President, the arrest of Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor; among others, will only aggravate the already tensed situation in the South East. Senator Wabara who argued that “it is the fundamental right of citizens to hold peaceful protest”, said the police are required to provide protection for protesters, and not to clamp down on them. Citing the ongoing ‘No King Protest’ involving about 7 million people in the United States of America, “where there are no incidents of molestation or brutality”, Senator Wabara challenged the Nigeria security operatives to learn from their US counterparts. The former Senate President accused the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC-led, federal government which he said, “is a product of protests”, of using intimidation and brute force against dissenting voices.