By Olatunbosun Obafemi
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has adjourned the trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on alleged terrorism charges to October 16, 2025.
The adjournment followed the failure of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to present its report on Kanu’s health status as earlier directed by the court.
At the previous sitting, Justice Omotosho ordered the NMA President to set up a medical board to assess the IPOB leader’s health condition and determine whether the medical facilities at the Department of State Services (DSS) are adequate for his treatment or if he should be moved to a private ward at the National Hospital. The board was also tasked with determining Kanu’s fitness to continue standing trial.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, counsel to the Federal Government, Suraj S’aad, informed the court that the NMA medical board had communicated that its report was not yet ready. He, therefore, requested a one-week adjournment to enable the board to conclude its findings.
With no objection from the defence, Justice Omotosho granted the request and fixed October 16 for the submission of the report.
Kanu is facing a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism, filed by the DSS. On September 26, the court dismissed his no-case submission, ruling that the prosecution had established a prima facie case warranting him to open his defence.
Justice Omotosho held that the evidence and exhibits presented by the prosecution raised serious allegations of terrorism, making it necessary for Kanu to defend himself in accordance with his constitutional right to a fair hearing.
