The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), after the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) failed to submit its medical report on his health status.
Justice James Omotosho announced the new date on Wednesday, following a request for a short adjournment by the Department of State Services (DSS) legal team.
The court had earlier directed the NMA President to set up a panel of medical experts to assess Kanu’s health, amid claims by his lawyers that his condition was deteriorating while in DSS custody.
The medical examination is expected to determine whether the DSS medical facility can provide adequate treatment or if Kanu should be transferred to the National Hospital, as requested by his legal team. It will also assess whether he is medically fit to continue standing trial.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, DSS counsel Suraj S’aad (SAN) informed the court that the medical board had not yet completed its work and requested an additional week to finalise the report.
With no objections from Kanu’s defence team, Justice Omotosho granted the request and adjourned the case to 16 October 2025. The report’s findings are expected to shape the court’s next steps in the long-running trial.
Kanu, who faces terrorism-related charges, has been in DSS custody since his arrest and repatriation to Nigeria in 2021. His legal team has repeatedly raised concerns about his health and detention conditions.