Kanu Seeks Court Order for Transfer from DSS Custody to National Hospital Over Failing Health

The Federal High Court in Abuja will today hear an application seeking the transfer of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to the National Hospital, Abuja, for urgent medical attention.

The application, filed on September 3 by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), followed concerns raised by Kanu’s legal team over what they described as a “worrisome decline” in his health while in DSS detention. Justice Musa Liman, sitting as a vacation judge, had earlier granted leave for the case to be heard during the court’s annual break, citing its urgency.

In an affidavit supporting the motion, Kanu’s brother, Emmanuel Kanu, said the IPOB leader had complained of persistent weakness and body pains. He added that a medical team led by Emeritus Professor Austin A.C. Agaji examined him in August and, on September 1, reported that Kanu was suffering from kidney and liver complications, dangerously low potassium levels, and a swelling under his armpit requiring immediate investigation.

Agabi told the court that the doctors strongly recommended his transfer to the National Hospital as an interim measure. He further noted that a letter from the medical team to the DSS Director-General urging Kanu’s relocation had received no response.

“The applicant’s health is seriously deteriorating considering the nature of his confinement, thereby making it more pressing to bring this application before a vacation judge,” Agabi argued, adding that the request would not prejudice the DSS.

Kanu is facing trial before Justice James Omotosho on terrorism-related charges. A separate bail application filed on May 19 has yet to be heard, owing to the court’s vacation. His legal team maintains that the application for medical transfer is grounded in his right to health and life.

The motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, outlines 11 reasons for granting the request. The court is expected to hear arguments from both parties and rule on the matter today.

Kanu has been in DSS custody since 2021 following his arrest in Kenya and subsequent repatriation to Nigeria.