The transfer comes one day after Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, found Kanu guilty on all seven counts of terrorism and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

In his ruling on Thursday, Justice Omotosho granted the DSS the authority to move Kanu to any correctional facility in Nigeria, citing national security considerations.

Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the development on Friday, stating: 

“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 senior security source independently confirmed the relocation to journalists but declined to be named.

During Thursday’s proceedings, lead prosecution counsel Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, had urged the court to impose the maximum penalty of death contained in three of the counts, arguing that the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act leaves no judicial discretion. 

He also requested the permanent closure of Kanu’s social media accounts and broadcasting platforms.Awomolo further asked the court to direct that Kanu be held “in the safest custodial centre anywhere in Nigeria” until the execution of the sentence, to protect him from both supporters and adversaries who might attempt to harm or free him.

The judgement ends a protracted legal battle in which Kanu was accused of using his media outlets to incite violence and call for the secession of South-East, South-South states and parts of Benue and Kogi to form the Republic of Biafra.

Kanu has been in detention since his rearrest and extraordinary rendition from Kenya in June 2021.