Ejimakor Compares Kanu to Awolowo as IPOB Leader Insists on Self-Representation

Aloy Ejimakor, legal consultant to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has compared him to the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo over his decision to conduct his legal battle without hired counsel. According to Ejimakor, Kanu’s insistence on representing himself has slowed the process of filing an appeal against the life sentence handed down by a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Ejimakor explained that Kanu had formally disengaged his former legal team, leaving them to function only as consultants. He said Kanu believes he can best present his own case, noting that several prominent leaders in history had taken similar positions. The consultant added that multiple legal steps must be completed before the appeal can be properly filed at the appellate level.

He also supported Kanu’s request to be transferred from the Sokoto Correctional Centre to a facility closer to Abuja. Ejimakor stated that while courts had ruled out Kuje prison, moving Kanu to Suleja or Keffi would make it easier for him to prepare his appeal and maintain necessary contact with legal aides and associates based in Abuja.

Kanu was convicted on November 20 on seven terrorism-related charges and sentenced to life imprisonment. After security concerns linked to past prison breaks at Kuje, he was relocated to Sokoto. Subsequently, he filed a motion requesting a transfer to a correctional facility closer to Abuja, arguing that the long distance has made it impractical to prepare his appeal documents and exercise his constitutional right to fair hearing and appeal effectively.