28 November 2025
The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal on Friday struck out the fundamental-rights enforcement appeal filed by Nnamdi Kanu — leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) — on grounds that the matter has become academic following his conviction on terrorism charges and transfer to prison custody at the Sokoto Correctional Centre.
The appeal, filed against the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), sought relief over alleged violations of Kanu’s rights — including human dignity, adequate medical care, freedom of conscience and religion, and access to independent legal and medical counsel while in DSS custody.
Delivering the judgment, a three-member panel led by Justice Boloukuromo Moses Ugo held that since Kanu is already convicted and serving his sentence, the request — including a demand for his transfer from DSS custody to standard prison facilities — is moot. The court noted that Kanu’s lawyer, Maxwell Opara, confirmed at the hearing that his client is being held at Sokoto, making any further orders unnecessary.
With the dismissal of the appeal, the Court of Appeal reaffirmed the earlier verdict of the Federal High Court that convicted Kanu on November 20, 2025, and sentenced him to life imprisonment on terrorism-related charges.
Rights groups and lawyers for Kanu have condemned the ruling, arguing that it leaves unresolved the serious allegations of torture, denial of medical care, and religious persecution that he raised while in DSS detention. They insist that even after conviction, fundamental rights must remain enforceable to ensure humane treatment in custody.
As the legal dust settles, Dalena Reporters will continue to monitor whether Kanu’s legal team will seek to challenge the decision at the Supreme Court, or pursue other legal avenues — and whether his treatment in detention will draw renewed scrutiny from national and international watchdogs.