Court Adjourns Over NMA’s Failure to Submit Nnamdi Kanu’s Medical Report
Abuja, Wednesday, October 8, 2025 — The Federal High Court in Abuja has once again adjourned the trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, following the inability of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to submit a comprehensive report on his current health condition, despite an earlier directive by the court.
Justice Binta Nyako, who presided over the session, expressed displeasure with the delay, stressing that the health and welfare of the defendant are integral to ensuring justice. The judge warned that the court would not entertain further excuses, directing the NMA to expedite action and submit the medical report before the next hearing date.
During the proceedings, Kanu’s lead counsel, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), raised concerns over his client’s deteriorating health while in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). He told the court that the IPOB leader’s condition had worsened and that the NMA’s failure to provide the report was jeopardizing his right to medical care.
“The court had already ordered a thorough medical evaluation to ascertain the true state of his health. The delay in complying with this order is putting my client’s life at risk,” Ozekhome said, urging the court to compel immediate compliance.
The prosecution, however, maintained that the DSS had fully cooperated with the NMA and provided all necessary access for the examination, adding that the delay was purely administrative and not due to any obstruction by the security agency.
Nnamdi Kanu has been in DSS custody since June 2021, following his arrest and extradition from Kenya under controversial circumstances. He is facing multiple charges bordering on treasonable felony, terrorism, incitement, and unlawful possession of firearms.
Kanu, who initially fled Nigeria in 2017 after being granted bail, was accused by the Federal Government of using his media platform, Radio Biafra, to make inflammatory statements that allegedly incited violence and threatened national unity.
The IPOB leader has consistently denied all charges, insisting that his movement’s agitation for the independence of the South-East region — which he refers to as Biafra — is a peaceful campaign for self-determination as recognized under international law.
Following his re-arrest, Kanu has remained in solitary confinement at the DSS facility in Abuja, where he has repeatedly complained of ill health. His legal team has since filed several applications seeking his release or transfer to a correctional facility, all of which have been opposed by the Federal Government.
In 2022, the Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted Kanu of all charges, ruling that his extraordinary rendition from Kenya was illegal. However, the Federal Government appealed the decision, and the Supreme Court later overturned the acquittal, reinstating his trial.
Since then, the case has suffered several adjournments, mostly due to procedural delays, preliminary objections, and now, the pending medical report from the NMA.
Justice Nyako emphasized during the latest sitting that the court’s concern at this stage is the defendant’s health, not the politics surrounding the case. She ordered the NMA to fulfill its obligation without further delay, adding that justice must be served “without prejudice to the rights and wellbeing of all parties.”
The matter has been adjourned to a later date for continuation of hearing
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