Why Kanu wants to remain in Sokoto Prison – Family

From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

The family of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has said the IPOB leader is insisting on remaining at the Sokoto Custodial Centre until the Court of Appeal rules on his pending appeal, arguing that any voluntary relocation now could jeopardize his case.

In a press statement issued on Thursday and signed by Prince Emmanuel Kanu, the Okwu-Kanu family said the order that Kanu serve his life sentence in Sokoto is “a core issue” in the appeal and must be decided by the court, not through executive or diplomatic intervention.

Kanu was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment on 20 November 2025 by Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja. According to the family, at page 118 of the judgment the judge stated that Kanu “hates the North with a passion” and subsequently ordered that he serve his term at Sokoto Custodial Centre, described in the statement as “the seat of the Caliphate, the heart of the geographical North.”

The family said Kanu is appearing pro se, representing himself, before the Court of Appeal. They argued that the Sokoto sentencing gives rise to “a compelling appearance of bias” and forms one of 15 grounds of appeal.

Citing legal authorities including Kenon v. Tekam and LPDC v. Fawehinmi , the statement said the appearance of bias alone can vitiate proceedings, and that “justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.”

“The Sokoto sentencing is not a mere administrative detail; it is a substantive ground of appeal,” the family stated. “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, appearing pro se, has personally argued these issues and will not allow any course of action that could undermine them.”

The statement was issued amid what the family described as “persistent calls both public and private, urging Kanu to accept relocation from Sokoto Custodial Centre to Abuja, outside the judicial process.”

The family warned that voluntarily leaving Sokoto could be interpreted by the prosecution as an abandonment of that ground of appeal.

“We understand the concern; Sokoto is not Abuja. It is distant, unfamiliar, and its symbolism is deeply troubling. But the symbolism is not a problem to be escaped; it is a legal issue to be adjudicated by the Court of Appeal,” the statement read.

The family also disclosed that Kanu had previously filed a motion before Justice Omotosho seeking to vary the Sokoto order. They said the court declined to hear it on the merits, insisted the government be put on notice, and later declined to allow Kanu to attend the hearing. Legal Aid Counsel appointed for him withdrew, and the motion was struck out. The family said that obstruction would also be argued on appeal.

The statement further said British consular officials had engaged Kanu about a possible intervention to move him to Abuja, which he rejected.

“This is a legal matter for the Nigerian courts, not executive or diplomatic intervention,” the family said. “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, appearing pro se, has made it clear that he will not accept any intervention that bypasses the judicial process.”

Summarizing its stance, the family listed that Kanu is appearing pro se and has personally briefed the appeal that the Sokoto sentencing is a live issue before the Court of Appeal, he will not leave Sokoto without a court order  and added that the matter is subjudice and should be left to the courts .

“The Court of Appeal will decide the law. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will obey the law. But he will not allow emotion, social media pressure, or diplomatic interference to dictate his legal strategy,” the statement concluded.

Maintaining that Nigeria was confronting a security emergency, NOSCEF called on the government to demonstrate greater resolve in defeating armed groups threatening lives and communities across the country.