By Ademola Adekusibe
September 26, 2025
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has declined to hear a motion by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, seeking his transfer from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to the National Hospital, Abuja, for urgent medical attention.
The motion, filed on September 1, 2025, was brought before Justice Musa Liman, who is serving as a vacation judge. The judge, however, ruled that his jurisdiction had expired and directed that the case file be returned to the registry for reassignment by the Chief Judge.
Kanu’s legal team argued that his health had deteriorated, citing liver and kidney concerns, low potassium levels, and a lump under his armpit, and claimed the DSS had ignored medical advice recommending his transfer.
The Federal Government, represented by Asiwaju Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), filed a counter-affidavit of 37 paragraphs opposing the motion. Kanu’s counsel, Uchenna Njoku (SAN), requested an adjournment to respond, which was not opposed by the prosecution.
Justice Liman, while refusing to hear the case, urged that it be re-assigned quickly in view of the applicant’s health concerns.
As it stands, Kanu remains in DSS custody pending reassignment of the case to a new judge.
