The Department of State Services has moved the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, from its Abuja facility to the Nigerian Custodial Centre in Sokoto, a day after he received a life sentence for terrorism.
The transfer was carried out on Friday, following the ruling delivered on Thursday by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which convicted Kanu on seven counts of terrorism.
The court accepted the claim that he deployed violent methods while pushing for the secession of parts of the South East, South South and sections of Benue and Kogi States.
Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the relocation and expressed worry that the new location would make it difficult for the legal team and family members to reach him. He wrote that Kanu had been moved “so far away from his lawyers, family, loved ones and well-wishers.”
A senior security source also confirmed the movement but refused to give further details. “It’s true. That’s all I can say for now, but please don’t quote me,” the source said.
During sentencing, the prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, urged the court to impose the maximum punishment for three of the charges, insisting that the law offered no room for discretion.
He also asked the court to order the shutdown of Kanu’s digital media platforms, which he said were used to incite violence, and to ensure his confinement in the safest correctional facility to prevent any interference or attempts on his life.
Justice Omotosho had earlier given the DSS the freedom to move Kanu to any secure custodial centre.
The transfer to Sokoto has triggered concern among some of Kanu’s supporters, who fear the distance may slow legal consultations and reduce contact with his family. Both the DSS and the Nigerian Correctional Service have yet to explain why Sokoto was chosen.
Kanu has been in detention since June 2021 after his extradition from Kenya, a case that has continued to draw reactions at home and abroad. His supporters maintain their call for his release, while the government insists he must face the law.
