Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has struck out an ex-parte motion filed by the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, seeking his transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Facility.

Akahi News gathered that the ruling was delivered on Tuesday following the dramatic withdrawal of Kanu’s legal representative, Demdoo Asan, a senior legal officer of the Legal Aid Council, who cited irreconcilable differences with his client.

The court held that the application lacked competence and could not be entertained in its present form.

Counsel Withdraws Over Breakdown in Relationship

At the proceedings, Demdoo informed the court of his decision to withdraw from the case, explaining that efforts to regularise the application had failed due to persistent challenges with the applicant and his relatives.

According to him, since the last adjourned date, he had maintained constant phone communication with Kanu’s relatives, who were expected to visit the Legal Aid office to depose to the application. However, they failed to honour several commitments despite repeated assurances.

Demdoo further disclosed that Kanu attempted to dictate the conduct of the proceedings and sought to control what counsel would say in open court.

“He wants to write down what I would say while in court. But, as an officer of the court, I can’t in good faith accept that,” he told the judge.

He added that after consulting with his superiors at the Legal Aid Council, they unanimously agreed that continuing with the brief would compromise professional ethics.

“As officers of the court, when a matter comes to us, we handle it as we see fit; otherwise, the applicant can find legal help elsewhere,” Demdoo said.

He consequently invoked Order 50, Rule 1 of the Federal High Court Rules, formally applying to withdraw from the matter.

Judge Commends Counsel, Grants Withdrawal

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho commended Demdoo for upholding the dignity and integrity of the court and granted leave for both the counsel and the Legal Aid Council to withdraw from representing Kanu.

The judge noted that legal practitioners must remain independent and must not be subjected to undue influence by litigants.

Akahi News learnt that the court viewed the counsel’s decision as necessary to preserve ethical standards and orderly judicial proceedings.

Motion Declared Incompetent, Struck Out

Justice Omotosho further held that the ex-parte motion seeking Kanu’s transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Facility was incompetent.

Although the court directed, in the interest of justice and fairness, that other parties should be served with the necessary notices, it observed that there was no proof of service since the last court sitting on December 8, 2025.

The judge consequently ordered that the motion be struck out for lacking competence.

Akahi News gathered that the ruling effectively nullifies the application unless a fresh and properly constituted motion is filed by new legal representatives.

Legal and Political Implications

Legal observers note that the development could delay any immediate attempt by Kanu to seek relocation from his current detention facility, while also highlighting the importance of procedural compliance and professional boundaries in court proceedings.

The IPOB leader’s legal battles have continued to attract national attention due to their political sensitivity and security implications.

Akahi News learnt that the court is expected to await further filings should Kanu secure new legal representation.

Upholding Judicial Process

The ruling reinforces the judiciary’s insistence on due process, proper service, and ethical conduct by legal practitioners.

Analysts say the decision also sends a strong signal that courts will not tolerate attempts by litigants to influence legal strategy or courtroom conduct.

Akahi News gathered that the matter may resurface if a fresh application is filed in line with procedural requirements and supported by competent legal representation.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
Akahi News www.akahinews.org