Lack of Medical Report Delays Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial

The trial of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, on alleged terrorism charges, has been adjourned by the Federal High Court in Abuja following the failure of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to present its medical report on his health condition as earlier directed by the court.

Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case, fixed October 16, 2025, for the continuation of the proceedings after the NMA informed the court through the prosecution that the report was not ready.

Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021, is facing multiple counts bordering on terrorism, incitement, and acts threatening Nigeria’s sovereignty. His health status has remained a recurring issue in the ongoing case, with his legal team insisting he is unfit to continue the trial under his current detention conditions.

Court’s Directive to the Medical Association

At the last adjourned date, Justice Omotosho directed the President of the NMA to constitute a medical board of independent experts to examine Kanu’s health. The court ordered the board to investigate whether the DSS medical facility was sufficient to manage his condition or if he should be transferred to a private ward at the National Hospital in Abuja for specialized care.

The directive also included an assessment to determine whether Kanu was medically fit to stand trial. However, during Tuesday’s hearing, the prosecution counsel representing the Federal Government, Suraj S’aad, told the court that the medical board had requested additional time to complete its report.

S’aad informed the court that the NMA had contacted the prosecution team to explain that its findings were still being compiled and would not be ready for presentation as earlier scheduled. He therefore requested a one-week adjournment to allow the board finalize its work and submit the report for the court’s consideration.

Adjournment and Legal Reactions

Following no objection from Kanu’s defense counsel, Justice Omotosho granted the request and fixed October 16 for the medical board to present its report. The judge emphasized the importance of the report to the fair determination of the case, noting that it would help the court decide whether the defendant’s continued stay in DSS custody aligns with his medical needs.

Kanu’s legal representatives have repeatedly alleged that the DSS facilities lack the capacity to handle his deteriorating health. They have also accused the government of delaying his access to adequate treatment. The court’s intervention through the NMA board is expected to provide an independent evaluation that could influence subsequent rulings.

Background to the Case

Nnamdi Kanu was first arrested in 2015 and later granted bail in 2017. He fled the country after a military operation in his hometown, Abia State, before being rearrested and brought back to Nigeria in 2021. Since his return, he has been standing trial on terrorism-related charges filed by the Federal Government.

Over the years, Kanu’s legal battles have drawn both domestic and international attention, with human rights organizations urging the government to ensure fairness, transparency, and proper medical care during his detention.

The adjournment caused by the missing medical report adds yet another layer of delay to the long-running case, with the court now awaiting the findings of the NMA board to determine the next steps.