The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the Department of State Services (DSS) medical facility is adequate for the medical care of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, despite concerns raised by his legal team over his health condition.
The ruling, delivered on Thursday, came as Justice James Omotosho adjourned the ongoing terrorism trial to October 23, 2025, for the commencement of Kanu’s defence, giving him until October 30 to conclude it.
One of Kanu’s lawyers, Aloy Ejimakor, disclosed the development in a post on X (formerly Twitter), confirming the court’s position on Kanu’s medical arrangements and the trial timeline.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case has just been adjourned to 23rd October 2025 for the commencement of his defence,” Ejimakor wrote. “The judge further held that the DSS medical facility is adequate for his medical care and that MNK has until 30th October to close his defence.”
The decision follows a previous directive by the court ordering an independent medical assessment by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), whose panel report recently found that Kanu’s health issues were not life-threatening, clearing the way for trial continuation.
Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is facing terrorism-related charges brought by the Federal Government of Nigeria. He has been in DSS custody since his re-arrest in 2021 after fleeing the country while on bail in 2017.
The court’s latest ruling reinforces that all further medical treatments for Kanu will be managed within DSS facilities pending the conclusion of his trial.
