Nnamdi Kanu’s Health in Jeopardy: A Plea for Urgent Medical Attention

• Nnamdi Kanu’s Health in Jeopardy: A Plea for Urgent Medical Attention

The health of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has taken a turn for the worse, prompting his lawyers to seek urgent medical attention. Kanu’s brother, Emmanuel, revealed that doctors led by Emeritus Prof. Austin A.C. Agaji conducted tests in August, which showed alarming health complications, including .
Kanu is suffering from kidney and liver-related problems, requiring immediate attention.
His potassium levels are dangerously low, posing a significant risk to his health.
A lump under his armpit needs urgent medical investigation.

Kanu’s lawyers argue that his health is seriously deteriorating due to his confinement, and his transfer to the National Hospital is necessary to prevent further decline. They maintain that granting this request won’t prejudice the Department of State Services (DSS) and emphasize that the court has the jurisdiction to hear and grant the application .

The Federal High Court in Abuja will hear Kanu’s application, with his lawyers insisting that his right to health and life are at stake. The court is expected to rule on the application after hearing arguments from both sides. Justice Musa Liman, acting as a vacation judge, allowed the case to be heard during the court’s recess, stressing that “the right to health is as important as the right to life”.

Kanu has been in DSS detention since 2021 after his recapture in Kenya and repatriation to Nigeria. He is currently standing trial on terrorism-related charges, and his lawyers had filed a pending bail application that couldn’t be heard before the court’s vacation .

Kanu’s health issues have raised concerns among his supporters and human rights groups. His lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, had previously raised alarms over Kanu’s deteriorating health, citing severe symptoms like shortness of breath and low blood pressure. The DSS has permitted Kanu to see his personal physician, but the doctor’s initial report highlights complex medical conditions requiring immediate hospital evaluation .