The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday dismissed the no-case submission filed by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, in his ongoing terrorism trial.
Justice James Omotosho, delivering the ruling, held that the Department of State Services (DSS) had established a prima facie case against Kanu through the testimony of five witnesses. He consequently ordered the IPOB leader to enter his defence, noting that the prosecution had successfully convinced the court that Kanu had a case to answer.
The judge explained that the evidence presented by the DSS required Kanu to provide clarifications before the court. Kanu had earlier filed a no-case submission after the prosecution closed its case in June, arguing that there was no case against him.
Meanwhile, the court also directed the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to constitute a team of medical experts within eight days to assess Kanu’s health condition. The committee, to be led by the NMA President, is expected to include between eight and ten medical practitioners, among them a cardiologist, a neurologist, and the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, Abuja.
Justice Omotosho mandated the team to evaluate both Kanu’s medical status and the capacity of the DSS hospital to manage his health needs. He further gave the panel the liberty to make use of any hospital in the country for its investigation.
The ruling followed conflicting medical reports submitted by the DSS medical team and Kanu’s private consultants. While the DSS doctors insisted his condition could be managed in their facilities, Kanu’s consultant, Professor Martin Aghaji, argued that his failing health required urgent transfer to the National Hospital, and even suggested treatment abroad.
The DSS dismissed Aghaji’s report as exaggerated, accusing him of altering Kanu’s medication without due consultation. The service also raised concerns that moving Kanu to the National Hospital could pose security risks.
However, Kanu’s lead counsel, Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), maintained that the transfer request was made in the interest of justice, stressing that the IPOB leader must remain alive to face the charges against him. He did not oppose the court’s directive for NMA intervention.
The matter was adjourned till October 8 for continuation of trial.
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