By our reporter
The Federal High Court in Abuja has advanced the hearing date for the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to Thursday, September 26, 2025. The rescheduling comes in response to an urgent application filed by his legal team, requesting either his immediate release or a transfer to a medical facility due to worsening health conditions.
Originally slated for October 10, the hearing was brought forward after the court’s vacation period ended, which affected the jurisdiction of the judge previously assigned to the case. Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammad, who had been handling the matter during the court’s vacation, no longer holds jurisdiction. The case has since been reassigned to Justice James Omotosho, who will now preside over the urgent application.
Kanu’s legal counsel, led by Barrister Alloy Ejimakor, filed the motion citing serious health issues, including a kidney condition, low potassium levels, and a swelling under his left armpit. The affidavit claims these ailments pose immediate medical risks that cannot be properly addressed while Kanu remains in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The legal team insists that Kanu’s continued detention under these conditions violates his fundamental rights and poses a direct threat to his life. They argue that transferring him to the National Hospital in Abuja is necessary to receive the urgent care he requires.
Nnamdi Kanu, who was re-arrested in June 2021, is facing multiple charges including treasonable felony and terrorism-related offenses. He has remained in DSS custody throughout the trial process and has consistently denied all allegations against him. His case has attracted widespread domestic and international attention, with human rights organizations and political figures calling for transparency, fair trial procedures, and respect for his rights.
With the court now set to hear the application earlier than planned, the proceedings on September 26 are expected to be critical. Observers believe the court’s decision could significantly impact the trajectory of Kanu’s trial and reignite debates around justice, health rights, and due process in high-profile political cases.
