The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected an ex-parte application filed by detained Biafra agitation leader, Nnamdi Kanu, seeking his transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Centre to a facility within the court’s jurisdiction.

Kanu, through the Legal Aid Council, had asked the court to order his immediate relocation to Kuje Custodial Centre in the Federal Capital Territory or Keffi Custodial Centre in Nasarawa State. He urged the court to grant the request without hearing from the Federal Government.

In the alternative, he prayed for a transfer to any custodial facility close to the court, such as Suleja or Keffi, to enable him effectively pursue his constitutionally guaranteed right of appeal.

However, Justice James Omotosho declined the request on Monday, ruling that granting such an order without hearing from the respondents would not serve the interest of justice. The judge directed Kanu to convert the ex-parte motion to a motion on notice and serve all relevant parties to allow them respond.

The court then fixed January 27, 2026, for hearing of the motion on notice.

This development comes a week after Justice Omotosho refused to recognise Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel, who had attempted to appear for him in court despite not being a legal practitioner.