The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has postponed the continuation of the trial involving the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to October 16, following the failure of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to present its medical examination report on Kanu’s current health status.
Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the matter, ordered the adjournment on Wednesday after the court was informed that the NMA’s report was not yet ready for submission. The report is expected to provide a detailed assessment of Kanu’s physical condition and determine whether he requires specialized medical attention outside the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The development followed an earlier directive by Justice Omotosho mandating the NMA to form a neutral medical board made up of professionals across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and diverse medical specialties. The purpose of the examination is to provide an independent evaluation of Kanu’s health condition and determine if he should remain under DSS care or be transferred to the National Hospital in Abuja for comprehensive treatment.
The Nigerian Medical Association had previously conducted a court-ordered medical evaluation on the detained IPOB leader as instructed by the Federal High Court. However, the association has yet to finalize and officially present its findings before the judge.
Counsel representing the Department of State Services, Mr. Suraj S’aad (Senior Advocate of Nigeria), told the court that the NMA board had communicated its inability to meet the initial submission deadline, noting that its work was still ongoing and needed additional time to ensure thoroughness and accuracy.
Okay News reports that Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in custody since his re-arrest by the Federal Government, is facing multiple charges, including terrorism-related offenses. His legal team has continuously argued that his deteriorating health condition demands urgent medical attention at the National Hospital, contrary to the position maintained by the DSS that its medical unit is fully capable of managing his health.
During the previous hearing, Justice Omotosho had instructed the President of the NMA to assemble a competent panel to review Kanu’s medical complaints after both prosecution and defense counsel presented conflicting views on his wellbeing. The directive was aimed at ensuring transparency and preventing further controversy over his treatment.
While the DSS counsel, Mr. Awomolo Adegboyega (SAN), insisted that the agency’s medical facility has adequate capacity to treat Kanu, his defense lawyer, Mr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), countered that his client’s condition was deteriorating and that continued detention without proper care could worsen his health.
The judge’s order to the NMA was therefore intended to settle the dispute objectively by determining whether the DSS facility was suitable or if a transfer to the National Hospital was medically necessary. The report is also expected to indicate whether Kanu is fit to continue facing trial given his health circumstances.
At Wednesday’s sitting, the DSS counsel requested a one-week extension to allow the NMA complete its medical investigation and file the required report. With no objection raised by Kanu’s legal team, Justice Omotosho adjourned the case to October 16 for presentation of the report and further proceedings.
“The court is adjourned to 16 October for the report of the Nigerian Medical Association,” Justice Omotosho ruled before bringing the session to a close.
The case continues to draw nationwide attention as it touches on legal fairness, human rights, and the standards of medical care provided to detainees under federal custody.
