Court Bars Nnamdi Kanu’s Brother From Representing Him, Adjourns Prison Transfer Motion

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday stopped Prince Emmanuel Kanu from appearing on behalf of his brother, IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, ruling that he is not a legal practitioner and therefore cannot move any application before the court.

Nnamdi Kanu, who was recently convicted and handed a life sentence, had filed a fresh motion seeking to be transferred to a correctional facility in Sokoto. The application was presented in court by his brother, Emmanuel, who told the judge that since the detainee could not be produced, the court should proceed to hear the motion in his absence.

He argued that relocating the IPOB leader to a facility closer to Abuja would enable him to adequately pursue his appeal.

However, when the matter was called, Justice Omotosho declined to recognise Emmanuel’s appearance. The judge firmly stated that only a qualified lawyer can move an application on behalf of an individual.

“This ex parte motion cannot be moved on the convict’s behalf because you are not a legal practitioner,” the judge said, advising him to engage a counsel or seek support from the Legal Aid Council as provided by law.

“When I said representation, I did not mean his father, brother, sister or any relation. I meant his counsel. You cannot represent a human being when you are not a lawyer; you can only represent a corporate body,” he added.

Justice Omotosho further explained that without being a solicitor or advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Emmanuel was not permitted to act on behalf of the IPOB leader.

Acknowledging the court’s position, Emmanuel requested a fresh date. The judge thereafter adjourned the matter to December 8 for proper hearing.