Court Rules Only Lawyers Can Represent Nnamdi Kanu, Rejects Brother’s Appearance

Court Rules Only Lawyers Can Represent Nnamdi Kanu, Rejects Brother’s Appearance

ABUJA — The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday refused to recognise Prince Emmanuel Kanu’s appearance on behalf of his brother, Nnamdi Kanu, ruling that only a licensed lawyer can move motions for the detained IPOB leader.

Justice James Omotosho issued the ruling after Emmanuel Kanu attempted to present a fresh motion filed by Nnamdi Kanu, who was recently convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. In the motion, the IPOB leader asked the court to consider his request for transfer from Sokoto Prison to a facility closer to Abuja so he can effectively prosecute his appeal.

According to the filing, Nnamdi Kanu argued that it was impossible for him to appear in person before the court or chambers to move the application, urging the court to hear it in his absence.

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‘You’re not a lawyer,’ Judge tells Emmanuel Kanu

When the matter was called, Justice Omotosho immediately declined to grant audience to Emmanuel Kanu after he announced appearance on behalf of his brother.

“This ex parte motion cannot be moved on the convict’s behalf because you are not a legal practitioner,” the judge ruled.

Justice Omotosho advised the applicant to engage a qualified counsel or seek assistance from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, emphasising that legal representation must come from a certified lawyer.

“When I said representation, it is not his father, brother, sister or relatives I meant — I mean his counsel,” the judge clarified.

“You cannot represent a human being when you are not a lawyer; you can only represent a corporate body. For you to be qualified as a lawyer, it will take another six years or thereabout. So get a counsel to move the application.”

Following the court’s guidance, Emmanuel Kanu requested a new hearing date.

Justice Omotosho subsequently adjourned the motion to December 8, allowing time for proper legal representation.

Court Rules Only Lawyers Can Represent Nnamdi Kanu, Rejects Brother’s Appearance