An Abuja Federal High Court judge, Justice Musa Liman, has returned the motion filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to the Chief Judge for reassignment.
Kanu is seeking an urgent court order to be transferred to the Abuja National Hospital for a thorough medical examination due to his deteriorating health.
READ ALSO: IPOB leader’s detention illegal, Lawyer demands Kanu’s release
The decision was made on Monday following an application by Kanu’s lawyer, Uchenna Njoku.
The court’s vacation was ending, and Justice Liman indicated that his court did not have sufficient time to hear the motion, which was filed late on September 1.
According to court rules, any case not concluded during the vacation period must be sent back for reassignment.
The Department of State Services (DSS) lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo, did not oppose the request.
Both legal teams agreed that referring the case to the Chief Judge was the most logical step, especially given that the substantive case is being heard by a different judge, Justice James Omotosho.
Kanu’s legal team argued that his health has taken a “worrisome decline” while in detention.
According to the motion, medical examinations revealed issues with his pancreas and liver, a lump under his armpit, and dangerously low potassium levels.
The doctors recommended his transfer to the National Hospital as an “interim measure” to prevent further decline.
The motion also stated that a letter sent to the DSS Director-General regarding the transfer has gone unanswered.
READ ALSO: High-profile lawyers join Kanu’s team ahead of accelerated hearing
Justice Liman ordered the court registry to send the case file back for reassignment to another judge who will handle the matter after the court’s official resumption.
