Aloy Ejimakor, the lead counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has called for his client to be relocated from northern Nigeria due to security concerns. The call comes following reports of a United States military airstrike targeting terrorist groups in Sokoto State.
Ejimakor made the plea on Friday through his social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. He said the recent airstrikes confirmed that Sokoto and other parts of northern Nigeria are heavily affected by terrorist activities, making them unsafe for the detention of Kanu.
“The US military strike against terrorists in Sokoto has finally confirmed that Sokoto is riddled with terrorists & thus was never a safe place of custody for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” Ejimakor wrote. “It’s now more urgent that he be transferred outside the terrorist belt in Northern Nigeria.”
According to the lawyer, the presence of armed groups and other security threats in the area poses a serious risk to Kanu’s safety. He stressed that relocating him to a more secure facility is now critical in light of the recent escalation of violence in the region.
Sokoto State and other parts of northwestern Nigeria have in recent years faced increased attacks by insurgents, bandits, and terrorist groups. The United States military, in coordination with Nigerian authorities, carried out airstrikes on Christmas Day targeting these groups, highlighting the persistent insecurity in the area.
Ejimakor’s concerns echo long-standing criticisms about the safety of high-profile detainees in northern Nigeria. He pointed out that Kanu, as a widely known figure, could be a target for violent attacks, making proper security arrangements essential.
“The recent airstrikes in Sokoto highlight the danger present in the region. Keeping my client there exposes him to unnecessary risk,” Ejimakor added. “Authorities must act urgently to relocate him to a safer area.”
Nnamdi Kanu was convicted by a federal court in Nigeria on charges relating to his activities as leader of IPOB. Since his detention, questions about his security and the conditions of his custody have frequently been raised by his legal team and supporters.
In addition, the incident raises broader concerns about the general security situation in northern Nigeria. Despite ongoing military operations and collaboration with international partners, parts of the North-West, including Sokoto, remain affected by terrorist and bandit activities, posing risks to residents and visitors alike.
The Nigerian government has often reassured the public that high-profile detainees are being held securely and that their safety is a priority. However, the recent US airstrikes and the lawyer’s warning suggest that authorities may need to reconsider the location and security measures for prisoners held in areas vulnerable to attacks.
Ejimakor’s statement also comes amid ongoing debates about Nigeria’s cooperation with foreign military forces. The US airstrikes, while targeting terrorist strongholds, have drawn public attention to the security challenges in Sokoto and surrounding states. Many residents are concerned about the impact of these operations on local safety, while authorities stress that such interventions are part of broader anti-terrorism efforts.
For supporters of IPOB and human rights observers, the lawyer’s call is a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by high-profile detainees in areas affected by insurgency. They say urgent measures must be taken to ensure Kanu’s safety without compromising security protocols.
While the federal government has not publicly responded to Ejimakor’s latest plea, past statements have emphasized that security agencies are responsible for managing detention facilities and ensuring the safety of prisoners. The recent airstrikes, however, have added urgency to the call for reconsidering the location of high-risk detainees.
As the situation develops, attention is expected to focus on whether the government will act on Ejimakor’s request and move Kanu to a more secure location.