Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is currently embroiled in legal proceedings before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where his medical condition and fitness to stand trial are central issues. Kanu had previously applied to the court for transfer from the Department of State Services (DSS) custody to the National Hospital, Abuja, citing a life-threatening ailment that necessitated comprehensive medical attention.

The legal saga intensified with Justice James Omotosho's order on September 26, mandating the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to establish an independent panel of medical experts. This panel was tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into Kanu's true state of health. Specifically, the court ordered the panel, comprising between eight to ten members and including the Chief Medical Director of Abuja National Hospital or their representative, to ascertain Kanu's fitness to continue his ongoing terrorism trial. Furthermore, the panel was to assess the suitability of the SSS facility for his medical care and determine if his transfer to the National Hospital for urgent attention, as requested by Kanu, was indeed necessary. The judge stipulated that the panel's report, signed by its chairman and secretary, must be filed within eight days of the ruling.

During a court session on October 8, the prosecution counsel, Suraj Sa’ada (SAN), informed Justice Omotosho that the NMA panel had not yet concluded its assignment. Sa’ada requested an additional week for the panel, emphasizing their commitment to a comprehensive and professional evaluation. Kanu’s counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), did not object to this request. Consequently, Justice Omotosho adjourned the case until October 16, allowing the NMA panel the requested time to finalize its critical report.

Kanu has been in SSS custody in Abuja since June 2021, facing charges of terrorism and treasonable felony. These charges stem from allegations of carrying out terrorist activities, including broadcasting threats across Nigeria, aimed at achieving the secession of Nigeria’s Igbo-dominated southeastern states and parts of neighboring states as a sovereign nation. Kanu has consistently denied all charges filed against him, which commenced in 2015, and the trial recommenced afresh before Justice Omotosho.

Earlier arguments in court highlighted the complexities surrounding Kanu's health. His lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, presented a medical report dated September 24 from a professor of medicine, addressed to the SSS, supporting Kanu's transfer to the National Hospital. Ikpeazu contended that the SSS medical team's assertion that Kanu did not consult them for this report was insufficient to deny him access to medical care and dismissed national security concerns raised by the SSS as baseless, noting the National Hospital is federal government property. In opposition, prosecution lawyer Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) accused Kanu of unilaterally changing his medication and raised concerns about him being a “flight risk” should he be allowed to travel abroad for treatment, as suggested by the medical consultant’s report. Awomolo noted that the SSS had already made efforts for Kanu to be examined by consultants and that the federal government had commissioned the NMA to produce an independent report on his medical fitness.

In parallel developments, prominent voices have called for Kanu’s release. Former Presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, issued a public challenge via Instagram, urging South East leaders like Peter Obi, Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and others to join him in a peaceful march to Aso Rock Villa. Sowore’s post explicitly stated, “I will set aside my differences with some politicians for one cause. I challenge every politician or person of good conscience from the Southeast who says they want @mazinnamdikanu released to stop the rhetoric. Time for action is NOW. Let’s march to Aso Rock Villa. Every governor, senator, member of the House, traditional ruler, priest, eze, Igbo person, and every Nigerian who believes in Kanu’s freedom, come out and do more than talk. I will lead this peaceful march to the Aso Rock Villa. No more empty noise. Let @CCSoludo, @enyinnayaabaribe, @alexottiofr, @peterobigregory and all others who claim to care step up and join us in person. We go together peacefully, legally, and visibly to demand justice and an end to MNK's persecution. Chikena! Jisie Ike! #FreeNnamdiKanuNow.”

Additionally, Kanu's lawyer, Maxwell Opara, appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to order the discontinuation of the terrorism charges against Kanu. Speaking to journalists at the Abuja Federal High Court, Opara argued that the charges were embarrassing Nigeria internationally and that discontinuing the trial would allow Kanu to continue his Biafra agitation, which he believes would address the root causes of the movement. Opara cautioned President Tinubu that advisors giving him ill-advice were making his government unpopular, asserting that he and others were telling the President the truth that the Attorney General would not.