A Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected a motion by Biafra nation agitator Nnamdi Kanu, who sought an order to transfer him from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to the National Hospital in Abuja for urgent medical treatment.

In a ruling on Monday, 15 September 2025, Justice Musa Liman stated that he lacked the jurisdiction to hear the motion, as his authority to sit as a vacation judge expired on the same day. The judge ordered the case file to be returned to the registry for reassignment by the Chief Judge.

Kanu’s motion requested that the DSS transfer him to the National Hospital for medical attention. His lead counsel, Kanu Agabi, SAN, presented an 11-ground argument in support of the request, highlighting Kanu’s deteriorating health. Agabi noted that Kanu, currently standing trial before Justice James Omotosho, had filed a bail application on 19 May, which could not be heard due to the court’s annual vacation, resulting in his continued detention.

According to Agabi, medical examinations revealed serious health issues affecting Kanu, including problems with his pancreas and liver, a lump under his armpit, and critically low potassium levels. Agabi further alleged that a letter from doctors recommending Kanu’s transfer to the National Hospital was sent to the DSS Director-General but received no response.

Justice Liman, acknowledging the urgency of Kanu’s health concerns, recommended that the Chief Judge prioritise a swift hearing of the motion upon reassignment.