BREAKING: Court Strikes Out Nnamdi Kanu’s Prison Transfer Motion as Counsel Withdraws

A Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out an ex parte motion filed by detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, seeking his transfer from Sokoto Prison. Justice James Omotosho dismissed the motion as incompetent after Kanu’s counsel from the Legal Aid Council, Demdoo Asan, applied to withdraw from the case. Asan cited irreconcilable differences, stating that Kanu’s relatives failed to depose to the application despite repeated contact and that Kanu attempted to dictate legal strategy and control court submissions, a practice Asan stated he could not accept as an officer of the court. The judge granted the withdrawal request and struck out the motion.

Key Points:

The withdrawal highlights a significant breakdown in the attorney-client relationship, centering on Kanu’s alleged insistence on controlling legal proceedings.
It underscores the practical challenges of mounting a legal defense for a client in remote detention, including coordination with family and adherence to professional ethics.
The court’s dismissal on procedural grounds (incompetence and lack of proof of service) halts this specific effort to change Kanu’s detention conditions.
The incident reflects the ongoing complexity and friction surrounding Kanu’s legal representation and the broader management of his case.
The judge’s commendation of the counsel for upholding court dignity reinforces the judiciary’s stance on maintaining procedural decorum.

The failed motion represents another legal setback for Kanu, stemming from internal disagreements with his representation, and leaves his continued detention in Sokoto unchallenged via this avenue.

Sources: Daily Post, Daily Trust