The Department of State Services (DSS) has transferred the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to the Nigerian Custodial Centre in Sokoto following his conviction and sentencing for terrorism.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, while delivering judgment on Thursday, ruled that the DSS may keep Kanu in any correctional facility in the country after upholding allegations that he used acts of terrorism in pushing for the secession of parts of the South-East, South-South, and sections of Benue and Kogi states.
Kanu’s legal consultant, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the transfer on Friday, stating that the move places Kanu far from his legal team, family members, and close associates. “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has just been moved from DSS Abuja to the correctional facility in Sokoto; so far away from his lawyers, family, loved ones and well-wishers,” he wrote.
A separate source also verified the relocation, but declined to give further details.
During Thursday’s court session, prosecution counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) urged the court to impose the maximum penalty on counts that carry mandatory death sentences, insisting there was no legal room for discretion. He also requested the closure of Kanu’s digital media accounts and devices.
Awomolo further asked the court to direct that Kanu be held in the safest correctional facility available to prevent interference or possible threats from both supporters and opponents.
