Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja has returned to the Chief Judge a motion filed by the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, seeking reassignment.
Kanu, through an ex parte motion, had requested an order directing his transfer to the National Hospital, Abuja, for urgent medical treatment.
In a brief ruling, Justice Liman ordered that the case file be referred back to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, following an application by Kanu’s lawyer, Uchenna Njoku, SAN. The judge noted that the court’s annual vacation, which ends on September 15, limited the vacation bench’s ability to handle the motion.
Counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, did not object to Njoku’s request.
Earlier during proceedings, Justice Liman indicated that the vacation court lacked sufficient time to deliberate on Kanu’s motion. He explained that more than 30 cases had been listed for the day, but only six could be heard.
Citing Section 46(8) of the Federal High Court Rules, the judge emphasized that any matter not concluded within the vacation period must be returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment. He acknowledged the urgency of Kanu’s application on medical grounds but observed that it was filed too late.
Awomolo, representing the DSS, remarked that case management remained within the discretion of the court, adding that the late filing was regrettable. He, however, assured that the agency was prepared to respond to the motion at any time.
Consequently, Justice Liman directed that the case file be returned to the court registry for reassignment.
What You Should Know
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed IPOB, is currently in DSS custody and has repeatedly raised concerns over his health.
His legal team is pressing for his transfer to the National Hospital, Abuja, for treatment. The case will now be reassigned by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for further hearing.
