The Federal High Court is set to hear on Monday a motion filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), seeking to be moved to the National Hospital, Abuja, for urgent medical treatment.
The application, brought before Justice Musa Liman, was granted leave to be heard during the court’s vacation period due to its urgency. Justice Liman fixed September 15 for the hearing and directed Kanu’s lawyer, Uchenna Njoku, SAN, to serve the Department of State Services (DSS) with all necessary processes and hearing notices.
“I believe that the right to health is as important as the right to life. Therefore, I agree this matter should be entertained by the vacation court,” Justice Liman said.
The motion, filed on September 3 by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, is supported by 11 grounds. It argues that while Kanu awaits the determination of a pending bail application in his terrorism trial before Justice James Omotosho, his health has worsened in detention.
According to the application, medical examinations revealed concerns involving his pancreas, liver, and kidneys, as well as a lump under his armpit and dangerously low potassium levels. Doctors reportedly recommended his transfer to the National Hospital for immediate care.
Agabi submitted that letters written by medical experts to the DSS requesting the transfer had gone unanswered, prompting the urgent motion. He further argued that granting the request would not prejudice the complainant, as the court is empowered to make such an order.
In a supporting affidavit, Emmanuel Kanu, the defendant’s younger brother, said Nnamdi Kanu had recently complained of severe weakness and body pains. He noted that doctors, including Professor Austin A.C. Agaji, examined him in August and confirmed the health concerns, stressing the need for urgent treatment.