Nigeria’s secret police, the Department of State Services (DSS), has transferred IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from its Abuja detention facility to the Nigerian Custodial Centre in Sokoto, a major development that follows his conviction on terrorism charges.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had ruled on Thursday that the DSS was permitted to move Kanu to any correctional centre in the country after sentencing him to life imprisonment on a seven-count terrorism charge.
Barely 24 hours later, Kanu’s legal consultant, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the move in a statement posted on Friday.
He wrote: “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has just been moved from DSS Abuja to the correctional facility (prison) in Sokoto; so far away from his lawyers, family, loved ones and well-wishers.”
A security source also verified the development.
“It’s true. That’s all I can say for now but please don’t quote me,” the source said.
Justice Omotosho, in his judgement, upheld the DSS’ claims that Kanu deployed acts of terrorism in pursuing his secessionist agitation across the South-East, South-South and parts of Benue and Kogi.
Following the conviction, lead prosecution counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) urged the court to adopt the maximum punishments available, insisting that three of the charges carried no discretion for leniency.
He further asked the court to order the closure of Kanu’s digital media devices and online accounts.
Awomolo also requested enhanced protection measures for the convict, submitting that the court should “direct for the safety and security of the defendant should be kept in the safest custodial centre anywhere in Nigeria until the execution of the sentence to avoid distraction from his friends and enemies – who may want to eliminate him if given the opportunity.”
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