By David Lawani, Abuja
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday 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.
At the hearing, Kanu’s counsel, Demdoo Asan, a senior legal officer with the Legal Aid Council, informed the court that he wished to withdraw from the matter, citing irreconcilable differences with the applicant.
Asan told the court that since the last adjourned date, he had been in constant communication with Kanu’s relatives, who were expected to depose to the application.
“Despite several phone calls and promises, the relatives did not show up at the Legal Aid office to depose to the application,” he said.
The counsel further disclosed that Kanu was attempting to dictate how the case should be conducted in 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,” Asan said.
He added that after consulting with his superiors at the Legal Aid Council, they shared the same view.
“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,” he said.
Asan then invoked Order 50, Rule 1 of the Federal High Court Rules, formally applying to withdraw from representing Kanu in the matter.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho commended the counsel for maintaining professional integrity and upholding the dignity of the court.
The judge granted leave for Asan and the Legal Aid Council to withdraw from the case.
Justice Omotosho also held that the ex parte motion seeking Kanu’s transfer was incompetent, noting that there was no evidence of proper service on the other parties.
“Since the last court sitting on December 8, 2025, there is no proof of service before this court,” the judge said.
He subsequently ordered that the motion be struck out for lacking competence, bringing the application to an end.
