Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, adjourned the proceedings in the trial of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu on Friday to deliver a ruling on an application seeking his transfer to the National Hospital, Abuja, for medical attention.
Kanu, who is facing terrorism-related charges, through his lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), argued that a medical report prepared by Prof. Austin Agaji, a professor of medicine, confirmed that the defendant required advanced treatment at the National Hospital.
However, prosecution counsel for the Federal Government, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), strongly opposed the motion, citing security concerns and alleging that the claims about Kanu’s health were exaggerated.
Awomolo told the court that the Department of State Services (DSS) had fully complied with earlier court orders, allowing Kanu access to relatives, doctors of his choice, and his legal team, as well as visits to selected medical facilities.
He further argued that transferring Kanu to the National Hospital could pose a national security risk, claiming the IPOB leader remains a flight risk and could endanger other patients if targeted by an attack.
Awomolo disclosed that the DSS had already set up a seven-member panel of medical experts from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to independently assess Kanu’s health status, urging the court to rely on their findings.
In response, Ikpeazu said he was unaware of the NMA panel but expressed readiness to accept its involvement if ordered by the court.
Justice Omotosho subsequently stood down the matter to rule on the application.
Kanu’s health and detention conditions have been a recurring issue in his ongoing trial, with his legal team consistently raising concerns about his access to adequate medical care.
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