Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday declined to accept Prince Emmanuel Kanu’s appearance on behalf of his brother, Nnamdi Kanu, ruling that he is not a legal practitioner.
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who was recently convicted and handed a life sentence, had filed a new motion asking to be transferred to Sokoto prison.
The application was brought before the court by Emmanuel Kanu.
He informed the court that since it was impossible for Nnamdi Kanu to appear personally to move the motion, the judge should go ahead and hear the matter in his absence.
Kanu argued that it would serve the interest of justice for him to be moved to a correctional facility closer to Abuja so he can properly pursue his appeal.
However, when the case was called, Justice Omotosho refused to recognise the appearance of Kanu’s brother, Emmanuel, who had attempted to stand in for the IPOB leader.
The judge informed Emmanuel that he was not permitted to move the application since he is not a qualified lawyer.
“This ex parte motion cannot be moved on the convict’s behalf because you are not a legal practitioner,” the trial judge insisted.
He advised the applicant to hire a qualified lawyer or seek assistance from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria for proper legal representation, as provided by law.
“When I said representation, it is not his (Kanu’s) father, brother, sister or relations I meant. I mean his counsel.
“I am not going to the merit of this application now in the interest of justice.
“But you cannot represent a human being when you are not a lawyer; you can only represent a corporate body.
“Therefore, you cannot move the application because you are not a solicitor or advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
“For you to be qualified as a lawyer, it will take you another six years or thereabout. So get a counsel to move the application,” the judge added.
Understanding the court’s position, Emmanuel then asked for a new hearing date.
Justice James Omotosho subsequently adjourned the motion to December 8.
