The Federal High Court in Abuja has referred Nnamdi Kanu’s motion for urgent medical transfer to the Chief Judge for reassignment.
Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), had filed a motion seeking an order to move him from the Department of State Services (DSS) custody to the National Hospital, Abuja.
His lawyers argued that the move was necessary for urgent medical treatment.
Justice Musa Liman, who presided over the matter, ruled that the motion could not be decided during the court’s annual vacation.
The judge explained that the application came in late and that the vacation court had limited time to handle cases.
He noted that over 30 cases were scheduled for the day, but only six could be heard.
In line with Section 46(8) of the Federal High Court Rules, Justice Liman ordered that the case file be returned to the Chief Judge for proper reassignment.
Although Kanu’s counsel, Uchenna Njoku (SAN), pressed the urgency of the motion on health grounds, DSS lawyer Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) did not oppose the application.
Awomolo stressed that while the matter was important, it had been filed too late to be handled within the vacation period.
“Had it been that they filed the application earlier, it would have been taken during vacation. But we are ready to take the motion any time, any day,” Awomolo said.
The court’s decision means Kanu’s request will now be reassigned and scheduled for fresh hearing once regular court sessions resume.
Kanu, who has been in DSS custody for years over treasonable felony charges, has repeatedly raised concerns about his health and conditions of detention.
His legal team insists that immediate medical attention outside DSS facilities is crucial for his survival.