From Voctor Osula, Abuja
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is fit to stand trial, dismissing his request to be transferred to the National Hospital, Abuja, for medical treatment.
Kanu is facing a seven-count amended charge of treason and terrorism filed by the Federal Government.
He has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 27, 2021, following his re-arrest and extradition from Kenya on June 19, 2021.
In an earlier motion ex parte, Kanu had sought an order for his transfer to the National Hospital, citing deteriorating health. His counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), urged the court to consider the urgency of his medical situation.
On September 26, Justice James Omotosho directed the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to constitute a team of medical experts to examine Kanu and determine whether he was fit to continue his trial.
At Thursday’s hearing, prosecution counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) informed the court that the NMA report was submitted on October 13 and served on the defence the same day. Kanu’s lead counsel, Agabi, confirmed receipt of the report and said the defence had reviewed its findings.
The NMA medical panel, which examined Kanu on September 23, 2025, diagnosed him with several health conditions, including hypertensive heart disease, chronic kidney disease (stage 3A), benign prostatic enlargement with obstructive nephropathy, cervical spondyloradiculopathy, and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal septal deviation.
The panel also noted minor ailments such as presbyopia, lipoma, and dry eye disease.
Despite these conditions, the panel concluded that Kanu’s health challenges were “not life-threatening nor incapacitating to prevent him from standing trial.”
The report, signed by eight NMA members and endorsed by NMA President Bala Mohammad Audu and Secretary-General Benjamin Egbo, recommended medication adjustments, surgical procedures, and additional diagnostic tests.
It further noted that while the DSS medical facility was adequately equipped for his care, it would require additional equipment and specialist support for advanced procedures.
Relying on the medical report, Justice Omotosho ruled that Kanu’s condition was not severe enough to halt the proceedings. He therefore ordered the IPOB leader to open his defence between October 23 and 30.
Addressing the defence’s complaint that the DSS had been eavesdropping on meetings with their client, the judge granted Kanu and his legal team a private consultation session on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The trial is scheduled to resume on Thursday, October 23, and continue on October 27, 28, 29, and 30.
