The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday directed the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to constitute a panel of experts to evaluate the health condition of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Justice James Omotosho ruled that the team must include between eight and ten doctors, among them a cardiologist, a neurologist, and the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital. The panel was given eight days to submit its findings to the court.
The committee was mandated to inspect the Department of State Services (DSS) medical facilities to verify whether they could adequately cater to Kanu’s needs. It was also granted the liberty to use any hospital in the country for its assessment.
Government Opposes Transfer
Kanu is facing a seven-count terrorism charge and has consistently raised concerns about his health in custody. His legal team argued that he required specialist treatment at the National Hospital, Abuja.
The Federal Government opposed the request, warning that a transfer could pose a security risk. Its lawyers maintained that the DSS had complied with court orders by granting Kanu access to medical personnel of his choice and insisted that his treatment had not been inadequate.
Kanu’s Allegations of Judicial Fraud
In an open letter released on Thursday, Kanu accused the Federal Government and sections of the judiciary of colluding to prolong his detention since his extraordinary rendition from Kenya in 2021.
He cited a 2017 judgment of the Federal High Court which declared IPOB not unlawful, an October 2022 ruling declaring his rendition and detention unconstitutional, and a Court of Appeal decision condemning “executive lawlessness.” Despite these rulings, he said the government refused to release him.
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Kanu also pointed to the December 2023 Supreme Court decision which held that his bail should not have been revoked. He alleged that the Federal High Court ignored that pronouncement and instead continued his trial while keeping him in DSS custody.
Court Dismisses Kanu No-Case Submission
The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the no-case submission made by Biafra nation agitator, Nnamdi Kanu.
The court held that a prima facie case has been established against him by the federal government and consequently ordered him to present his defense in the terrorism charges against him.
Delivering ruling on Friday in the no-case submission made by Kanu, Justice James Omotosho held that it is in the best interest of Kanu to be given the opportunity to clear some issues raised against him.
Vows to Resist Unfair Trial
The IPOB leader argued that his case had been shielded from impartial judges and accused the judiciary of bias. He said he would not submit to any trial before a court whose jurisdiction “does not pass constitutional muster.”
The Federal High Court is expected to rely on the NMA panel’s findings before deciding whether Kanu should be transferred to the National Hospital for treatment.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
