The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the trial of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, to October 16, 2025, pending the presentation of his medical report by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case, adjourned the proceedings on Wednesday after the NMA informed the court that its medical assessment of Kanu’s health condition was not yet completed.
The NMA had earlier been directed by the court to carry out an independent health evaluation of Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). Justice Omotosho had instructed the association to assemble a committee of medical professionals from various regions and specialties across Nigeria to determine whether Kanu should remain in DSS detention or be transferred to the National Hospital for treatment.
According to the court order, the medical board’s findings were to be submitted to the Attorney General’s office before presentation in court.
At Wednesday’s sitting, counsel for the DSS, Mr. Suraj S’aad (SAN), informed the court that “the medical board had communicated that its report was not yet ready for submission, as directed by the court.”
Kanu, who is facing terrorism-related charges brought by the Federal Government, had previously raised concerns about his deteriorating health.
At the last hearing, Justice Omotosho instructed the NMA President to constitute the medical panel after both sides presented conflicting claims about Kanu’s medical condition. While DSS counsel, Mr. Awomolo Adegboyega (SAN), argued that Kanu’s health “could be adequately managed at the DSS medical facility,” the defence counsel, Mr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), countered that his client’s condition required urgent medical attention at the National Hospital.
The judge subsequently directed the NMA to perform an independent examination to establish whether the DSS facility could meet Kanu’s medical needs or if he should be moved to the National Hospital, as requested by his defence team.
The report is also expected to determine whether Kanu is fit to continue standing trial.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, the DSS counsel sought a one-week adjournment to enable the NMA medical board to complete its assessment. With no opposition from the defence, the judge granted the request.
“The court is adjourned to 16 October for the report of the Nigerian Medical Association,” Justice Omotosho ruled.
Advertisement
