The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Friday, September 26, 2025, ordered the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to set up a panel of medical experts to ascertain the health status of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Justice James Omotosho, in a ruling, directed that the panel be made up of between eight and ten members, including the chief medical director of the National Hospital, Abuja, or a representative, since Kanu had chosen the hospital for his treatment.
The panel is to inspect the Department of State Services (DSS) detention facility to determine its suitability for managing Kanu’s health needs. If found inadequate, the panel must recommend whether he should be transferred to the National Hospital for urgent care.
“The report of this panel set up by the president of NMA shall be signed by the chairman and secretary of the committee,” Justice Omotosho ruled, adding that the report must be filed within eight days.
Court orders Nnamdi Kanu to open defence after losing no-case submission
The ruling followed arguments between Federal Government counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), and Kanu’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN).
Ikpeazu argued that documentary evidence, including a report by Professor of Medicine Austin Agaji, confirmed Kanu’s serious health condition and need for transfer.
Awomolo, however, opposed the application, insisting that the federal government had complied with all previous court orders allowing Kanu access to doctors of his choice, relatives, and lawyers.
He argued that taking Kanu to the National Hospital could pose a national security risk and claimed that the health concerns had been exaggerated.
Justice Omotosho, however, said the NMA panel’s independent report would guide the court in determining whether Kanu is fit to stand trial.
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