Key Points
-
Court refusal complicates Nnamdi Kanu’s legal proceedings.
-
Family demands transparency on Nnamdi Kanu’s detention.
-
Kanu’s rights are central to ongoing legal concerns.
The family of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu has raised concerns after an Abuja court declined to issue a Production Warrant that would have allowed the Sokoto Correctional Facility to bring him to the Federal Capital Territory. The transport was scheduled for Friday to facilitate the perfection of his appeal documents.
Emma Kanu, Nnamdi’s younger brother and family spokesperson, told reporters on Thursday that the Abuja High Court had instead issued a summons requiring Kanu to appear on November 28 at the Federal High Court in Abuja to settle records regarding his appeal filed before the November 20 judgment.
A Production Warrant is a mandatory order directing prison authorities to convey an inmate to court. Emma explained, “A production warrant is required for the Sokoto Prison to transport him, but the Court declined to issue it.”
The summons, signed by Principal Registrar I of the Federal High Court, Ojonugwa Thomas, refers to Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2025 between Kanu and the Federal Government. It directs all concerned parties to attend the Appeal Section of the Federal High Court headquarters in Abuja at 11:00 a.m. on November 28 to settle the record of appeal in compliance with the Court of Appeal Rules, 2021.
Family urges judiciary to act
Emma Kanu appealed to the judiciary to issue the Production Warrant, stressing that it is necessary for his brother to be physically present in Abuja to perfect his appeal. The family emphasizes that adherence to proper legal procedures is critical to ensuring due process and safeguarding Kanu’s rights.
The call comes amid heightened attention on Kanu’s legal situation following his life imprisonment sentence for alleged terrorism. He was convicted by an Abuja High Court on November 20 and subsequently transferred to the Sokoto Correctional Facility.
Kanu’s conviction and sentencing details
Justice James Omotosho presided over Kanu’s trial, handing down life imprisonment for counts one, two, four, five, and six, while opting for a 20-year sentence on count three and five years on count seven, with no option of fines.
The seven counts include secessionist agitations, acts of terrorism, membership in a proscribed group, killing security operatives, destruction of public property, concealment, and the importation of an unregistered radio transmitter.
Kanu’s family and legal team are getting ready for the next stage of the appeal. They are pushing for full compliance with procedural requirements, such as the issuance of a Production Warrant, to make sure that the IPOB leader can take part in the appeal process as required by law.
