By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Nigeria Court to Decide on Nnamdi Kanu’s Plea for Urgent Medical Transfer
The Federal High Court in Abuja is set to hear on Monday a motion filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), asking to be moved from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to the National Hospital for urgent medical care.
The application, brought before the vacation court, was admitted by Justice Musa Liman, who ruled that the matter could not wait until the court’s regular session resumed. He directed that the DSS be served with the processes to allow the agency file its response ahead of the hearing.
Justice Liman, while granting leave for the application to be heard during vacation, observed: “The right to health is inseparable from the right to life. It is on this basis that I find merit in allowing this motion to be entertained without delay.”
The motion, filed on September 3 by senior advocate Chief Kanu Agabi, was predicated on medical reports that pointed to a serious decline in the IPOB leader’s health.
According to the filing, examinations revealed that Kanu is suffering from problems linked to his pancreas, liver and kidney, as well as an emerging lump beneath his armpit and dangerously low potassium levels.
Agabi told the court that Kanu had earlier, on May 19, applied for bail in his ongoing terrorism trial before Justice James Omotosho but that the application was not heard before the court proceeded on its annual vacation.
He argued that Kanu’s detention during this period had worsened his condition and necessitated urgent intervention.
“The doctors who examined him have strongly recommended that he be transferred to the National Hospital to stabilise his health,” Agabi said, adding that a formal letter sent to the DSS Director-General to that effect had not been answered.
He maintained that granting the request would not prejudice the DSS in any way and urged the court to act to prevent irreparable damage to Kanu’s wellbeing.
In support of the application, Emmanuel Kanu, younger brother to the IPOB leader, deposed to an affidavit recounting the medical findings.
He said a team of doctors led by Prof. Austin A.C. Agaji conducted a series of tests in August, confirming organ-related concerns and low potassium levels, in addition to identifying a swelling around his armpit. Emmanuel stated that his brother has also complained of persistent weakness and body pains.
The affidavit stressed that unless immediate medical intervention is secured, his health risks further deterioration.
The hearing of the motion has been scheduled for Monday, September 15, before the vacation judge in Abuja.
About The Author
Leave a comment