DSS Moves Nnamdi Kanu to Sokoto Prison After Terror Conviction

The Department of State Services (DSS) has transferred the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Sokoto, following his conviction for terrorism.

Kanu’s movement comes barely 24 hours after Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered judgment on Thursday, ruling that the DSS was at liberty to move the IPOB leader to any correctional facility in the country.

Kanu’s legal consultant, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the development on Friday in a post shared online.

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 source also confirmed the transfer.

“It’s true. That’s all I can say for now but please don’t quote me,” the source said.

Justice Omotosho had convicted Kanu on a seven-count charge of terrorism and sentenced him to life imprisonment.
The court upheld DSS allegations that the IPOB leader deployed acts of terrorism in agitating for the secession of the South-East, South-South, and parts of Benue and Kogi States from Nigeria.

During sentencing, prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), urged the court to impose the stiffest death penalty provided under three of the charges, insisting the law did not allow judicial discretion on them.

He also asked the court to order the closure of Kanu’s digital media devices and accounts.

Furthermore, Awomolo prayed the court to ensure Kanu’s detention in the “safest custodial centre anywhere in Nigeria”, arguing that heightened security was necessary to prevent any harm from “friends and enemies – who may want to eliminate him if given the opportunity.”