By Trendsetter Tribune 
Barr. Maxwell Opara says Nnamdi Kanu’s detention in Sokoto Prison and a court-ordered ban on electronic devices are crippling efforts to prepare and file a critical appeal, raising fresh concerns over due process and fair trial rights.
Fresh concerns are mounting over the fate of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, after his lawyer revealed that court-imposed restrictions inside Sokoto Prison are severely undermining his ability to prepare a legal appeal.
Barrister Maxwell Opara, Ph.D, disclosed that he recently visited Kanu at the Sokoto Correctional Facility and found that a ban on electronic devices ordered by the court is significantly obstructing legal preparations, despite the presence of a legal team working on his case.
According to Opara, the restriction has become a major bottleneck in what is now a high-stakes race against time for Kanu’s appeal—one that could determine the future of one of Nigeria’s most polarizing political detainees.
“A Serious Obstacle to Justice”
Speaking after his prison visit, Opara explained that the prohibition on phones, computers, and other electronic tools makes it extremely difficult to draft, review, and file legal documents in a timely manner.
While Kanu is not personally required to operate electronic devices, Opara stressed that modern legal work depends heavily on digital access, including reviewing court records, coordinating with counsel, and preparing detailed appeal filings.
“The court’s order banning electronic devices may appear neutral on paper,” Opara said, “but in practice, it creates a serious obstacle to effective legal representation.”
He added that the restriction is particularly damaging given the complexity and sensitivity of Kanu’s case, which involves constitutional questions, national security claims, and international human rights issues.
Legal Support Exists—But With Limits
Opara acknowledged that Kanu is not without legal representation and continues to receive professional legal support. However, he emphasized that support alone cannot compensate for systemic constraints imposed by detention conditions.
Appeals, especially in politically charged cases, require constant coordination between lawyers, rapid access to documents, and real-time communication—tools that are nearly impossible to utilize effectively under a blanket ban on electronic devices.
“This is not about privilege,” Opara said. “It is about ensuring the minimum conditions necessary for a fair appeal process.”
Sokoto Prison Conditions Under Scrutiny
Kanu’s detention in Sokoto Prison has itself been controversial, with supporters questioning why he remains far from his legal team and family base. Critics argue that the location compounds logistical challenges, especially when paired with strict court orders limiting communication tools.
Human rights advocates say the situation raises red flags about procedural fairness and the right of detainees to adequately challenge their convictions or ongoing prosecutions.
“Appeal rights are meaningless if the conditions of detention make it impossible to exercise them,” said one Nigeria-based legal analyst familiar with the case.
A Case With National and International Weight
Kanu’s legal battle extends far beyond the courtroom. As the face of the IPOB movement, his detention continues to fuel political tension, regional grievances, and international attention on Nigeria’s handling of separatist activism.
Supporters argue that procedural barriers—such as limits on legal access—only deepen perceptions of injustice and reinforce claims that the state is suppressing dissent rather than resolving underlying conflicts.
The Nigerian government, for its part, has maintained that Kanu’s detention and prosecution are lawful and necessary for national security. Courts have also defended restrictions as part of maintaining order and preventing security breaches.
Yet critics counter that security considerations must be balanced against constitutional rights, especially when a defendant is pursuing an appeal.
Digital Access and Modern Justice
Opara’s comments have reignited a broader debate about how legal systems adapt—or fail to adapt—to modern realities. In an era where filings, transcripts, and legal research are overwhelmingly digital, denying access to electronic tools can effectively paralyze defense efforts, even when lawyers are formally allowed to operate.
Legal scholars note that courts around the world increasingly recognize limited digital access as part of the right to effective counsel, particularly for defendants facing lengthy or complex proceedings.
“The law hasn’t caught up with technology,” said one academic observer. “What looks like a neutral restriction can become a de facto denial of justice.”
Update on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu:
— AMN (@Amn_onlineTV) January 12, 2026
Barr. Maxwell Opara, Ph.D, says he visited Kanu in Sokoto Prison, noting that the court’s ban on electronic devices is making it difficult for him to prepare and file his appeal, despite legal support. pic.twitter.com/L9f1oxPMn9
What Happens Next
It remains unclear whether Kanu’s legal team will formally challenge the electronic device ban or seek special accommodations to allow limited digital access strictly for legal purposes.
Opara indicated that discussions are ongoing, but warned that delays could have serious consequences for appeal deadlines and procedural compliance.
For now, Kanu remains in Sokoto Prison, navigating a legal process that his lawyers say is becoming increasingly difficult under the current restrictions.
Conclusion
Barr. Maxwell Opara’s visit to Sokoto Prison has cast new light on the behind-the-scenes struggles shaping Nnamdi Kanu’s appeal. While legal representation remains in place, the court-ordered ban on electronic devices threatens to slow, complicate, or even derail critical filings.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with the political and legal fallout surrounding Kanu’s detention, the question is no longer just about guilt or innocence—but whether justice can be meaningfully pursued under conditions that restrict access to the tools required to fight for it.