On Monday, Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja transferred a motion filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), back to the Chief Judge for reassignment. Kanu’s ex-parte motion sought a court order for his transfer to the National Hospital in Abuja for urgent medical treatment.
Justice Liman, in a brief ruling, cited the end of the court’s annual vacation and time constraints, as over 30 cases were scheduled but only six could be heard. He noted that under Section 46(8) of the Federal High Court Rules, unresolved vacation matters must be returned to the Chief Judge. Despite acknowledging the urgency of Kanu’s health concerns, the judge pointed out the motion was filed late.
Kanu’s counsel, Uchenna Njoku, SAN, informed the court he had just received the Department of State Services (DSS) counter-affidavit and needed time to review it. After conferring with DSS counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, Njoku requested an adjournment to avoid conflicting with the substantive case’s judge. Awomolo, who did not oppose the transfer, noted the motion could have been heard earlier if filed sooner but affirmed readiness to address it anytime.
Justice Liman ordered the case file returned to the registry for reassignment. Earlier, he had granted Kanu’s request for the motion to be heard during the vacation, citing urgency, and directed that the DSS be served.
The motion, filed by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, on September 1, 2025, cited Kanu’s deteriorating health, including pancreatic and liver issues, a lump under his armpit, and critically low potassium levels. Doctors recommended his transfer to the National Hospital to prevent further health decline, noting that a prior request to the DSS Director-General had been ignored.
