Court to Hear Nnamdi Kanu’s Motion for Medical Transfer to National Hospital
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
The Federal High Court in Abuja is set to hear on Monday a motion seeking the transfer of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to the National Hospital for urgent medical treatment.
The motion, filed by Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), cited worsening health conditions allegedly experienced by the IPOB leader while in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Court Grants Leave for Emergency Hearing
Vacation judge, Justice Musa Liman, had previously granted leave for the matter to be heard during the court’s recess, stressing that health rights hold as much weight as the right to life itself.
“I believe that the right to health is as important as the right to life. And so I agree that this matter can be heard by the vacation court,” Justice Liman ruled.
The motion, dated September 2 and filed on September 3, bears the same case number—FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015—under which Kanu faces terrorism-related charges before Justice James Omotosho.
Lawyers Cite Deteriorating Health Condition
In his application, Chief Agabi explained that Kanu had initially applied for bail on May 19, but the request was not heard before the court’s annual vacation. He stressed that the IPOB leader’s health had worsened since then, requiring urgent medical intervention.
“The examination revealed issues with his pancreas and liver, an emerging lump underneath his armpit, and dangerously low levels of potassium,” Agabi told the court.
The senior advocate further disclosed that the medical team’s letter to the DSS Director-General requesting Kanu’s transfer to the National Hospital had received no response.
Family Raises Alarm Over Health
In an affidavit submitted to the court, Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu, confirmed that medical assessments carried out in August detected liver and kidney complications, a swelling under his armpit, and critically low potassium levels.
“He has been experiencing weakness and pains in his body, and doctors recommended urgent medical treatment at the National Hospital,” Emmanuel stated in the affidavit.
He added that Emeritus Professor Austin A.C. Agaji had provided the medical findings, urging swift action to prevent further deterioration of Kanu’s condition.
DSS Yet to Respond as Court Prepares for Monday Hearing
Agabi assured the court that granting the application would not prejudice the DSS, the primary complainant in the case, emphasising that the move was purely humanitarian.
“This application is to arrest further decline of the applicant’s health while spirited efforts are being made to ensure he gets treatment,” Agabi noted.
The court is expected to decide on Monday whether Nnamdi Kanu should be moved out of DSS custody for urgent medical care at the National Hospital, Abuja.
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