By Omoniyi David
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to October 16, 2025, pending the submission of his medical report by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
Justice James Omotosho gave the order after learning that the NMA had not concluded its independent medical assessment of Kanu as earlier directed by the court.
At Wednesday’s sitting, counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Suraj S’aad (SAN), informed the court that the medical board had requested more time to finalise and present its findings. With no objection from Kanu’s lead counsel, Mr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), the court granted the request and adjourned the matter.
Justice Omotosho had earlier mandated the NMA to assemble a team of medical experts from various regions and specialisations to evaluate Kanu’s health condition. The directive followed conflicting claims by the prosecution and defence over the IPOB leader’s health.
While DSS counsel Mr. Awomolo Adegboyega (SAN) maintained that Kanu was receiving adequate care at the agency’s facility, the defence argued that his condition had deteriorated and sought his transfer to the National Hospital, Abuja.
The court instructed the NMA to determine whether the DSS medical unit could manage Kanu’s condition or if he required advanced care elsewhere, as well as to assess his fitness to stand trial.
Although the NMA reportedly submitted preliminary findings to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, its official report has yet to reach the court.
Justice Omotosho stressed that the trial would not continue until the report is reviewed, noting that it would guide further proceedings in the terrorism-related case.
The matter, which has drawn national and international attention, will resume on October 16 for the presentation of the NMA’s report and subsequent decisions.
