Federal Government Opposes Nnamdi Kanu’s Transfer to National Hospital Over Health Concerns

• The Federal Government has opposed a request to transfer IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu to the National Hospital, citing security concerns and questioning the credibility of his private medical report
• Government lawyers argued that Kanu’s health can be adequately managed by the Department of State Services, while the Nigeria Medical Association reviews conflicting assessments
• The court is expected to rule today on the urgent motion, which stems from claims of a serious decline in Kanu’s health

The Federal Government of Nigeria, on Friday, presented its opposition to the request for the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to be transferred to the National Hospital in Abuja for medical attention.

The government cited concerns over the credibility of the medical report submitted by Kanu’s private physicians and raised security and logistical objections to the proposed move.

Medical report on Nnamdi Kanu sparks controversy

Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, who led the Federal Government’s legal team, told the Federal High Court in Abuja that the medical report issued by Kanu’s private consultants was flawed and exaggerated.

The report, prepared by Dr. Martin Aghaji, a retired Professor of Medicine from the University of Nigeria, Nsuka, recommended that Kanu be urgently transferred to either the National Hospital or a foreign medical facility for treatment.

Prof. Aghaji based his recommendation on what he described as a deteriorating health condition, citing issues with Kanu’s pancreas and liver, a lump under his armpit, and dangerously low potassium levels. Kanu, in his motion marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2025, stated that his health had taken a “worrisome decline,” necessitating the intervention of external medical experts.

DSS medical team deems transfer unnecessary

In response, the Federal Government argued that Kanu’s health could be adequately managed at the Department of State Services (DSS) medical facility. Awomolo, SAN, informed the court that a team of medical experts led by Dr. Mohammed Nasir had assessed Kanu and found no need for external treatment.

He further revealed that the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) had constituted a seven-member panel to investigate discrepancies between the DSS report and that of Kanu’s private physicians.

A group of senior medical practitioners had also visited Kanu at the DSS detention centre to evaluate his condition.

The prosecution maintained that the private report was suspicious, particularly because it included a recommendation for treatment in the United States.

Awomolo, SAN, alleged that Prof. Aghaji had unilaterally altered Kanu’s medication regimen, disregarding the treatment protocol followed over the past four years. He argued that excluding DSS medical personnel from the assessment undermined the report’s credibility.

Security and public disruption cited as grounds for rejection

The Federal Government also contended that transferring Kanu to the National Hospital could disrupt services and pose a security risk.

Awomolo, SAN, stated that the move would “create chaos and inconvenience for thousands of patients receiving treatment at the hospital.” He added that the government’s opposition stemmed from a deep concern for Kanu’s safety and security.

He urged the court to dismiss the application, asserting that the private medical report was “done in bad faith.”

Defence argues for urgent medical intervention

Kanu’s lawyer, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, responded by affirming that his team would not oppose the NMA’s involvement if ordered by the court. He stressed that the private physicians were unequivocal in their recommendation, stating that Kanu required urgent medical attention beyond the capabilities of the DSS facility.

Ikpeazu, SAN, assured the court that Kanu posed no flight risk and that his transfer to the National Hospital would not compromise security, as the facility is government-owned. He argued that it was “in the interest of justice” for the court to approve the request, ensuring that Kanu remains alive to face trial.

Justice James Omotosho, after hearing arguments from both sides, announced that he would deliver a ruling on the matter today. The case, initially scheduled for October 10, was brought forward following an affidavit of urgency filed by the defendant.

Federal high court dismisses Nnamdi Kanu’s no-case submission

Legit.ng earlier reported that the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the no-case submission filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), ruling that the prosecution has presented sufficient terrorism-related evidence to warrant a defence.

Source: Legit.ng