The Federal High Court in Abuja has denied an application to transfer Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to the National Hospital.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling on Thursday, citing a report from the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) which stated that Kanu is medically fit enough to stand trial.
According to the report, the NMA said its evaluation showed that Kanu’s health conditions are not life-threatening and that the medical facility on the premises of the Department of State Services (DSS) is adequately equipped to treat him.
In court this Thursday, Adegboyega Awomolo, counsel for the federal government, stated that the NMA report was filed on 13 October and served to the defence team on the same date.
Kanu Agabi, Nnamdi Kanu’s lead counsel, confirmed that they had received and read the report.
Justice Omotosho said he would rely on the report and ruled that the defendant is fit enough to enter his defence.
He stated he would grant the defence team the same six days that were granted to the prosecution, to be held consecutively.
However, Kanu Agabi requested the court to set aside a day for him and his client, Kanu, to confer in court to prepare their defence.
He expressed concerns that their conversations at the DSS facility are not private and that the DSS eavesdrops on them.
The judge agreed and allotted them Wednesday, 22 October 2025, between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. Justice Omotosho said he would clear his court during this time to allow only Nnamdi Kanu and his counsels to talk in private.
The trial judge then scheduled Thursday, 23 October, for Kanu to begin his defence, with the case set to last for six days – 23, 24, 27, 28, 29.
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