- Court returns Nnamdi Kanu’s health motion to Chief Judge.
- His lawyers seek transfer to National Hospital over worsening health.
- The motion will be reassigned for fresh consideration.
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday returned a motion filed by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to the Chief Judge for reassignment.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Kanu, through his counsel, is seeking an order for his transfer to the National Hospital in Abuja for urgent medical attention, citing a deteriorating health condition while in detention. His lawyers argued that doctors who examined him reported serious concerns involving his pancreas, liver, and a developing lump under his armpit, as well as dangerously low potassium levels. They recommended his immediate transfer as an interim measure, but a letter sent to the Department of State Services (DSS) Director-General was allegedly ignored.
Justice Musa Liman, ruling on the application, explained that the court’s annual vacation, which ended on Monday, left insufficient time to conclude the matter. He said the case file would therefore be referred back to the Chief Judge in line with Section 46(8) of the Federal High Court Rules. According to him, more than 30 cases were listed for hearing, but only six could be taken.
Counsel to the DSS, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), did not oppose the reassignment, telling the court that the motion could have been filed earlier. Kanu’s counsel, Uchenna Njoku (SAN), noted that their application was filed on September 1 but that they only received the DSS counter affidavit on Monday. He sought leave to consult further with the opposing counsel.
Kanu, who is facing terrorism-related charges before Justice James Omotosho, had earlier applied for bail in May, but the hearing was stalled by the court’s vacation. His legal team said the delay has worsened his confinement conditions and urged urgent intervention.
The motion will now be reassigned to another judge by the Chief Judge for further consideration.
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