The Federal High Court in Abuja will on Monday hear a motion filed by the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, seeking transfer to the National Hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Naija News reports that the motion, filed by his lawyer, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), is anchored on claims that Kanu’s health has deteriorated in detention, with doctors recommending immediate intervention.
Vacation judge, Justice Musa Liman, had earlier granted leave for the motion to be heard during the court’s recess.
Liman ruled, “I believe that the right to health is as important as the right to life. And so I agree that this matter can be heard by the vacation court.”
The motion, dated September 2 and filed on September 3, is marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015 — the same case in which Kanu is standing trial before Justice James Omotosho on terrorism-related charges.
In his application, Agabi told the court that Kanu had earlier filed for bail on May 19, but the request could not be heard before the court’s annual vacation.
He said the IPOB leader’s health had since worsened, necessitating an extensive medical examination.
Agabi stated, “The examination revealed issues with his pancreas and liver, an emerging lump underneath his armpit, and dangerously low levels of potassium.
“The doctors have recommended that he be moved to the National Hospital as an interim measure to forestall further decline. The applicant’s health is seriously deteriorating considering the nature of his confinement.”
Agabi added that a letter from the medical team to the Director-General of the DSS recommending Kanu’s transfer had gone unanswered.
In an affidavit, Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu, corroborated the claims, saying the IPOB leader had recently complained of “weakness and pains in his body.”
He said the diagnosis, carried out in August and conveyed to him by Emeritus Professor Austin A.C. Agaji, revealed liver and kidney complications, dangerously low potassium levels, and a swelling around his armpit requiring urgent attention.
“He was further diagnosed of a swelling around his armpit area which requires urgent attention to ascertain the cause and thereafter to seek appropriate medical treatment,” Emmanuel stated.
Agabi argued that granting the application would not prejudice the Department of State Services, the complainant in the case.
“The court is imbued with jurisdiction to hear and grant the prayers sought. This application is to arrest further decline of the applicant’s health while spirited efforts are being made to ensure he gets treatment,” he submitted.
The motion will be heard on Monday, with the court expected to determine whether Kanu should be transferred out of DSS custody for medical attention.
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