Judge Holds Off Ruling on Nnamdi Kanu’s Medical Request

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has reserved ruling on a motion seeking the transfer of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to the National Hospital for medical treatment.

According to a report by VANGUARD, the matter was stood down on Friday after counsel for the Federal Government, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), and Kanu’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), presented arguments for and against the application.

During the resumed hearing, Ikpeazu argued that there was credible medical evidence supporting the motion. He cited a medical report authored by Professor Austin Agaji, which recommended that Kanu be transferred to the National Hospital for further care.

However, Awomolo strongly opposed the application. He revealed that the government had filed a counter-affidavit on September 15, urging the court to reject Kanu’s request.

“The Federal Government cares so much about Kanu’s health and needs, in that the earlier order made by the court was strictly complied with by the Department of State Services (DSS). Your lordship made an order that the defendant should be allowed to see any of his relations, any doctor of his choice, and his lawyers. All these were obeyed,” Awomolo said.

The senior lawyer further argued that transferring Kanu to the National Hospital would pose a national security risk, given his flight risk status and potential threats to patients at the facility. He also questioned the credibility of Professor Agaji’s report, noting that he neither works at the National Hospital nor proved inefficiency in Kanu’s current treatment.

Awomolo disclosed that the DSS had already set up a seven-member panel of medical experts from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to conduct an independent assessment of Kanu’s health.

In response, Ikpeazu said he was unaware of the panel but would accept such an arrangement if the court issued an order.

Justice Omotosho, after hearing submissions from both sides, stood down the matter for ruling.