Justice James Kolawole Omotosho of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has struck out an ex-parte motion filed by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, seeking his transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Facility.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, Kanu’s counsel, Demdoo Asan, a senior legal officer with the Legal Aid Council, informed the court of his decision to withdraw from the case, citing irreconcilable differences between him and the applicant.
Asan told the court that since the last adjourned date, he had maintained regular communication with Kanu’s relatives, who were expected to visit his office to depose to the application. According to him, despite repeated assurances, the relatives failed to show up.
He further disclosed that Kanu insisted on dictating how the case should be conducted and what counsel should say in court, a demand he said was incompatible with his duties as an officer of the court.
“As an officer of the court, I cannot in good conscience accept such conditions,” Asan stated.
He added that after consulting with his superiors at the Legal Aid Council, they collectively agreed that legal representatives must be allowed to exercise professional judgment in handling matters before the court. Otherwise, the applicant would be free to seek legal representation elsewhere.
On that basis, Asan invoked Order 50, Rule 1 of the Federal High Court Rules and formally applied to withdraw from the matter.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho commended the counsel for upholding the dignity and integrity of the court. He granted leave for Asan and the Legal Aid Council to withdraw from representing Kanu.
The judge further held that the ex-parte motion seeking Kanu’s transfer was incompetent.
“In the interest of justice and fairness, this court had directed that other parties involved in the matter be served with the application. However, from the last sitting on December 8, 2025, to today, January 27, 2026, there is no proof of service before this court,” Justice Omotosho said.
Consequently, the court struck out the motion for lack of competence.
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