Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has reportedly been moved from the Department of State Services (DSS) detention facility in Abuja to a correctional centre in Sokoto State, his former legal consultant Aloy Ejimakor announced.
Ejimakor sounded the alarm in a post on X (formerly Twitter), warning that the relocation will seriously limit access to Kanu by his family, legal team, and supporters. He also questioned the wisdom of sending Kanu so far away, recalling a historical precedent: when Chief Obafemi Awolowo was convicted in 1963, he was imprisoned in a more “neutral” zone in the East, Ejimakor said. He appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to intervene.
The move comes less than 24 hours after Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Kanu to life in prison for terrorism-related charges. During sentencing, Omotosho ruled that Kanu’s conduct — including his behavior in court — showed a “tendency of violence,” making Kuje Correctional Centre unsuitable. The judge also banned Kanu from using electronic devices like phones unless under the supervision of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
According to Ejimakor, no official statement has yet come from the DSS or the Ministry of Interior confirming the transfer. Meanwhile, Kanu’s family has strongly rejected the relocation, expressing deep concern for his safety and well-being. They alleged the move may be a “veiled plot” to restrict his access to his private physician, noting that Kanu relies on special medication.
Another IPOB legal consultant, Maxwell Opara, told THISDAY that the transfer undermines Kanu’s ability to lodge his appeal against the conviction. Opara added that because of the relocation, Kanu hasn’t been able to sign his appeal documents.
Traditional rulers from Kanu’s home area also responded. The Royal Fathers of Umuahia North (in Abia State) rejected the “terrorist” label placed on him by the court, describing him instead as a freedom fighter. They called for calm and appealed to President Tinubu to consider a pardon.