Dare Babalola
The Federal High Court in Abuja will on Monday (today) hear an application by detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, seeking a transfer from DSS custody to the National Hospital for urgent medical care.
The motion was filed by Chief Kanu Agabi on September 3, stressing that Kanu’s health has reportedly taken a turn for the worse.
His lawyers described it as a “worrisome decline” in his health condition, calling for his immediate transfer from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to medical reports, Kanu is suffering from kidney and liver-related issues, dangerously low potassium levels, and a swelling under his armpit that requires urgent medical investigation.
A team of doctors led by Emeritus Prof. Austin A.C. Agaji conducted tests in August and recommended Kanu’s immediate transfer to the National Hospital as an interim measure.
The medical reports recommended Kanu’s immediate transfer to the National Hospital to forestall further decline in his health while emphasising that Kanu’s health is seriously deteriorating due to his confinement.
Justice Musa Liman granted leave for the application to be heard during the court’s annual vacation period, citing its urgency. “I believe that the right to health is as important as the right to life,” Justice Liman ruled, fixing September 15 for a hearing.
Kanu’s lawyers argued that granting the transfer request would not prejudice the DSS and that the court has jurisdiction to hear and grant the prayers sought in the application. They emphasised that Kanu’s right to health and life are at stake and that the grant of the application would not occasion any injustice to the DSS.
Nnamdi Kanu has been in DSS detention since 2021 after his recapture in Kenya and repatriation to Nigeria. He is currently standing trial on terrorism-related charges, and his lawyers noted that a pending bail application could not be heard before the commencement of the court’s vacation.
The court is expected to rule on the application after hearing arguments from both sides today. The outcome will determine whether Kanu will be transferred to the National Hospital for medical care or remain in DSS custody.
Kanu’s health issues have raised concerns among his lawyers and family members. His brother, Emmanuel Kanu, deposed that Kanu had recently complained of persistent weakness and body pains, and that doctors had discovered worrying health complications.
The court’s decision on Kanu’s transfer application will have significant implications for his health and ongoing trial. If granted, Kanu will be transferred to the National Hospital for medical care. If denied, he will remain in DSS custody, and his lawyers may explore other options to ensure his health and well-being.
Kanu’s trial on terrorism-related charges is ongoing, and his lawyers are working to ensure that his health issues do not prejudice his defense. The outcome of the transfer application will be crucial in determining the next steps in his trial.
