The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected a request by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to be transferred from the Department of State Services (DSS) custody to the National Hospital for medical treatment.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling on Friday, dismissing an application filed by Kanu’s legal team seeking his transfer on health grounds.
The defence had argued that the IPOB leader was suffering from multiple ailments that could not be properly managed by the DSS medical unit.
Lead counsel to Kanu, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), told the court that the request was based on a report prepared by Prof. Martin Aghaji, a retired professor of medicine, who recommended immediate transfer to the National Hospital and even suggested treatment abroad if necessary. He stressed that Kanu’s deteriorating condition made advanced medical intervention necessary and assured the court that the IPOB leader would not attempt to escape if moved.
However, DSS counsel, Asiwaju Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), vehemently opposed the application, insisting that the agency’s medical team, led by Dr. Mohammed Nasir, was capable of managing Kanu’s condition. Awomolo accused Prof. Aghaji of exaggerating Kanu’s medical situation and conducting tests without DSS doctors’ involvement, as well as unilaterally altering his medication.
Awomolo further warned that transferring Kanu could disrupt operations at the National Hospital and pose security risks. He assured the court that the federal government remained committed to Kanu’s safety and would allow him to receive medical attention from doctors of his choice within DSS facilities.