Amanze Chinonye
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday adjourned the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to October 16, 2025, following the inability of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to conclude and submit its medical assessment on Kanu’s health condition.
Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case, said the adjournment became necessary after the NMA failed to meet the eight-day deadline given to it to submit its findings.
The court had, on September 26, ordered the NMA the umbrella body of medical practitioners in Nigeria to constitute a panel of experts to evaluate Kanu’s state of health and determine whether the medical facility of the Department of State Services (DSS), where he is being held, has the capacity to manage his condition.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelJustice Omotosho stated that the medical panel was free to use any hospital in the country for its evaluation and directed that the report would assist the court in deciding whether to grant Kanu’s request to be transferred to the National Hospital, Abuja, for further medical attention.
The order followed the court’s decision to dismiss Kanu’s no-case submission, in which he sought to be discharged and acquitted of the seven-count charge bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony brought against him by the Federal Government.
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Kanu, through his counsel, had filed a motion marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2025, alleging that his health had “taken a worrisome decline.” According to him, medical examinations revealed issues with his pancreas and liver, as well as an emerging lump under his armpit and dangerously low potassium levels.
He told the court that his private doctors had recommended an immediate transfer to the National Hospital to prevent further deterioration of his health.
However, the Federal Government’s legal team, led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, opposed the motion, insisting that the DSS has adequate medical facilities to manage Kanu’s condition. The prosecution also disputed the findings of Kanu’s private doctors, describing them as “unverified and self-serving.”
Earlier in the proceedings, the court ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against Kanu, dismissing his argument that the evidence presented by the government failed to substantiate the charges. Justice Omotosho held that the testimony of five witnesses mostly DSS operatives warranted the defendant being called upon to open his defence.
“It is in the interest of justice and of the defendant himself that he is allowed to clear the air on the allegations levelled against him,” the judge ruled.
Nnamdi Kanu was first arrested in October 2015 after returning from the United Kingdom and was granted bail on April 25, 2017, on health grounds after spending 18 months in detention. He fled the country following a military raid on his residence in 2017 but was later re-arrested and extradited from Kenya in 2021.
The adjournment underscores the renewed tension and uncertainty surrounding the high-profile trial, which has drawn international attention from human rights groups and remains one of the most closely watched legal proceedings in Nigeria.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
