The Federal High Court on Tuesday in Abuja 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.
Justice James Omotosho ordered that the ex-parte motion be struck out for lacking competence.
Kanu’s legal representative, Demdoo Asan, a senior legal officer of the Legal Aid Council, at Tuesday’s proceedings, informed the court that he wished to withdraw from the matter, citing irreconcilable issues.
He added that since the last adjourned date, he had been in constant phone communication with the relatives of the applicant.
However, the relatives did not show up at the Legal Aid office to depose to the application, despite phone calls and promises to appear.
Demdoo told the court that Kanu sought to dictate the proceedings and control what counsel would say in court.
He, however, noted that after consulting with his superiors, they shared the same sentiment.
Demdoo stated: “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.
“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.”
Demdoo subsequently invoked Order 50, Rule 1 of the Federal High Court Rules, seeking to formally withdraw from the matter.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho commended the counsel for upholding the dignity of the court.
He granted leave for Demdoo and the Legal Aid Council to withdraw from representing the defendant.
The judge ruled that the motion was incompetent. However, in the interest of justice and fairness, he directed that other parties involved be served with notice.
He said since the last court sitting on December 8, 2025, there was no proof of service before the court.