The Federal High Court in Abuja has returned a motion filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to the Chief Judge for reassignment.
Justice Musa Liman made the decision on Monday after noting that the vacation period of the court had ended.
Kanu had approached the court through his lawyers seeking an order to be transferred to the National Hospital in Abuja for urgent medical treatment. His counsel, Uchenna Njoku, explained that the application was filed on September 1, but the Department of State Services (DSS) responded with a counter affidavit only shortly before the hearing.
Justice Liman stated that the vacation court had a heavy schedule, with many cases fixed for the same day, and only a few could be taken. He added that in line with the rules of the Federal High Court, matters that could not be concluded within the vacation period must be referred to the Chief Judge for reassignment.
The DSS, represented by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, did not object to the reassignment. Both parties agreed that since the vacation was ending, it would be more appropriate for the matter to be handled by the substantive court where Kanu’s main trial is already pending.
Earlier, Kanu’s legal team had argued that his health condition was deteriorating and that medical experts who examined him discovered problems affecting his pancreas, liver, and a developing lump under his armpit. The doctors reportedly warned that his potassium levels were dangerously low and recommended that he be moved to the National Hospital to receive urgent care.
The application, initially filed by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, was tied to the ongoing terrorism case before Justice James Omotosho. Agabi noted that the request for medical treatment became urgent after the court went on its annual break and Kanu remained in detention.
Justice Liman concluded the proceedings by ordering the transfer of the case file to the Chief Judge for fresh reassignment. This means the motion on Kanu’s medical treatment will now be handled by another judge once regular court sessions resume.