…Rejects bid for transfer to National hospital
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Friday, September 26, 2025, held that a prima facie case of engaging in terrorism activities has been established against Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).
This followed the adoption of the position of the Department of State Services (DSS), that Nnamdi Kanu, standing trial for his alleged terrorism-related activities is a potential risk.
The court also rejected a request by Nnamdi Kanu to be transferred from the DSS facility to the National Hospital, Abuja, for medical treatment.
Ruling on a no-case submission filed by Kanu through his counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, the court presided over by Justice James Omotosho held that a prima facie case of engaging in terrorism activities has been established against the detained IPOB leader.
Justice Omotosho held that at the stage of the trial, the court was bound to consider if there was a prima facie case that required an explanation from the defendant and not proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Accordingly, the court ruled that there is a prima facie case of engaging in terrorism activities against Kanu and directed him to open his defence.
The trial judge specifically said that it is in Kanu’s interest to clear his name of allegations of wrongdoing.
While declining Kanu’s request to be transferred from the facility of the DSS to the National hospital, Abuja, for medical care, the court ordered that the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), should set up a team of experts to determine the true health condition of the detainee.
The court further directed that members of the medical team, must include a cardiologist, a neurologist, and the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of National Hospital, Abuja.
Justice Omotosho also said that in addition, the team shall be at liberty to use of any medical facility for the purpose of carrying out its findings.
The presiding judge further ordered the report of the medical report shall be signed by the chairman and secretary within eight days of the ruling and filed in the court.
The court adjourned till October 8, 2025 for the consideration of the report of the NMA panel.
