Nnamdi Kanu to Remain in Custody as NMA Fails to Meet Deadline
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned proceedings in the terrorism case against Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to Thursday, October 16, 2025. The adjournment follows the Nigerian Medical Association’s (NMA) failure to meet the court’s deadline to submit a medical report on Kanu’s health.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Suraj S’aad, lawyer for the Department of State Services (DSS), informed the court that the NMA had contacted the secret police, indicating that the medical evaluation was not yet ready. The DSS requested a one-week adjournment to allow the NMA team to complete its investigation. The application was not opposed by Kanu’s legal team, led by Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN).
Justice James Omotosho had previously ordered the NMA on September 26 to assemble a team of medical experts to evaluate Kanu’s health. The directive followed the dismissal of Kanu’s no-case submission seeking discharge from the seven-count terrorism charge filed against him by the federal government.
The court highlighted that the NMA’s report would guide decisions on whether Kanu should be transferred to the National Hospital, Abuja, for proper medical care. Justice Omotosho also instructed the committee to visit the DSS medical facility where Kanu is detained to assess its capacity to manage his condition. The team is allowed to use any hospital in Nigeria to complete the evaluation.
The committee must consist of eight to ten medical practitioners, including a neurologist and a cardiologist. The Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital must also be part of the team.
Kanu’s health has also sparked debates in the National Assembly. Obinna Aguocha, representing the Umuahia North/Umuahia South/Ikwuano Federal Constituency, clashed with House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen over the matter. Aguocha had written to President Bola Tinubu, the Speaker, and the Attorney General of the Federation regarding Kanu’s medical condition.
The court’s adjournment ensures that the NMA completes its report before the trial resumes, keeping Kanu in custody until the next hearing.
