VIDEO: FG Explains Opposition to Nnamdi Kanu’s Transfer to National Hospital

The Federal Government on Friday told the Federal High Court in Abuja why it is opposed to a request for the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to be moved to the National Hospital for medical treatment.

Through its legal team led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, the government faulted a medical report prepared by Kanu’s private physician, Prof. Martin Aghaji, a retired professor of medicine from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Prof. Aghaji had recommended that Kanu be transferred to the National Hospital or even a foreign facility, citing a deterioration in his health.

Awomolo argued that doctors at the Department of State Services (DSS), led by Dr. Mohammed Nasir, had already assessed Kanu and confirmed he could be adequately treated at the DSS facility. He further revealed that the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has set up a seven-man independent panel to resolve the conflicting medical reports.

The prosecution maintained that the private medical report was “exaggerated and suspicious,” noting it included recommendations for Kanu’s transfer to the United States. It also accused Prof. Aghaji of unilaterally altering Kanu’s medication without involving DSS doctors who have managed him for four years, thereby undermining the report’s credibility.

The Federal Government insisted that moving Kanu to the National Hospital could disrupt services for other patients and raise security risks. “We are deeply concerned about his safety and security, hence our opposition to this application,” Awomolo told the court.

However, Kanu’s counsel, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, countered that his client’s condition was critical and required urgent intervention. He said the private doctors had found issues with Kanu’s pancreas, liver, low potassium levels, and a developing lump under his armpit. “It is in the interest of justice that this request is granted so the defendant can stay alive to face his trial,” Ikpeazu argued, assuring that Kanu would not escape custody.

He also stated that he would not oppose the NMA panel if the court ordered it but stressed that the National Hospital was still a government facility and would not pose a security threat.

Justice James Omotosho, after hearing both sides, reserved ruling on the motion marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2025, noting that the matter was brought forward from its earlier October 10 date due to an affidavit of urgency filed by the defense.

Opinion Nigeria News