Abuja: Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has halted proceedings in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to rule on a motion seeking his transfer to the National Hospital Abuja for medical attention.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Kanu is facing prosecution on allegations related to terrorism. The decision to stand down the matter came after counsel for both the Federal Government, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, and Kanu’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, presented their arguments concerning the application for medical transfer.
During the resumed hearing, Ikpeazu emphasized the presence of documentary evidence supporting their motion, citing a medical report by Professor of Medicine Austin Agaji, which recommended Kanu’s transfer for further treatment. However, Awomolo contested this submission, presenting a counter affidavit filed on September 15 and urging the court to deny Kanu’s request.
Awomolo highlighted the Federal Government’s compliance with court orders regarding Kanu’s health care, noting that the Department of State Services (DSS) had adhered to allowing Kanu access to his relations, chosen doctors, and legal representatives. He argued that moving Kanu to the National Hospital would compromise national security, as Kanu poses a potential flight risk and could threaten the safety of others at the facility in case of an attack.
Furthermore, Awomolo questioned the credibility of the medical report, pointing out that Professor Agaji does not work at the National Hospital, and there was no evidence indicating the inefficiency of Kanu’s current treatment. He claimed the health concerns raised were exaggerated and intended to mislead the public.
To address these concerns, Awomolo proposed the formation of a seven-member panel of medical experts from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to independently assess Kanu’s medical fitness within a week. Although Ikpeazu expressed unawareness of this panel’s composition, he indicated willingness to accept an independent report if ordered by the court.
Justice Omotosho has subsequently paused the proceedings to make a ruling on the matter.