Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has paused proceedings in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to decide on a motion requesting Kanu’s transfer to the National Hospital Abuja for medical treatment. Kanu faces charges related to terrorism.
The judge halted the case after Kanu’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), and the Federal Government’s counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), presented their arguments. Ikpeazu supported the transfer with a medical report from Professor Austin Agaji, claiming Kanu needed specialized care. Awomolo opposed, arguing the report exaggerated Kanu’s health issues and lacked evidence of inadequate treatment by the Department of State Services (DSS). He noted the DSS complied with prior court orders allowing Kanu access to family, doctors, and lawyers, and had offered to take him to any medical facility.
Awomolo raised national security concerns, warning that Kanu, considered a flight risk, could endanger others at the National Hospital if the facility were targeted. He added that Agaji isn’t affiliated with the hospital and proposed a seven-member Nigerian Medical Association panel to independently assess Kanu’s health within a week.
Ikpeazu, unaware of the panel, agreed to its evaluation if ordered by the court. Justice Omotosho then stood down the matter to deliver a ruling.
