Judge gives Kanu deadline to close his defence
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the Department of State Services (DSS) medical facility is adequate to cater to the health needs of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The court also issued a directive giving Kanu until October 30, 2025, to close his defence in the ongoing terrorism-related trial brought against him by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Court gives timeline for defence
According to one of Kanu’s lawyers, Aloy Ejimakor, who shared an update on X (formerly Twitter), the presiding judge maintained that the DSS facility has the capacity to handle Kanu’s medical condition.
“MAZI NNAMDI KANU’s case has just been adjourned to 23rd October 2025 for commencement of his defence. 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 defense,” Ejimakor stated.
The ruling comes amid a series of legal and health-related debates surrounding the detention of the IPOB leader, who has repeatedly alleged that he is not receiving proper medical care in custody.
Kanu’s legal team had sought external medical care
In previous court appearances, Kanu’s lawyers had requested that the court grant their client access to medical care outside DSS custody.
They argued that his health condition required specialized attention, and that allowing external medical treatment would guarantee transparency and adherence to international human rights standards.
However, the court, in its latest ruling, dismissed those arguments, affirming that the DSS facility is medically sufficient.
Adjournment to October 23 for opening of defence
The court has adjourned the case to October 23, 2025, when the IPOB leader is expected to commence his defence against terrorism-related charges.
The trial has spanned several months, marked by multiple adjournments, legal objections, and debates between the defence team and the prosecution.
The judge emphasized the need for a timely conclusion of the case and noted that the defence would be given until October 30, 2025, to wrap up its presentation.
Background to Nnamdi Kanu’s trial
Nnamdi Kanu, the founder and leader of IPOB, has been in detention since 2021 after his arrest and extradition to Nigeria. He is facing terrorism and treasonable felony charges, which he has consistently denied.
The IPOB leader’s detention has been the subject of local and international debates, with human rights groups, lawyers, and political leaders expressing varying views on the legality of his arrest, detention, and trial procedures.
Court and DSS in focus over rights concerns
The ruling has once again brought attention to the DSS’s role in handling high-profile detainees. While the agency maintains that it provides adequate care and protection for Kanu, his lawyers and supporters have often accused the service of violating his fundamental rights.
The court’s endorsement of the DSS facility is seen by some observers as a strategic move to fast-track the trial, especially after prolonged delays linked to medical and procedural complaints.
Reactions from supporters and legal experts
Following the ruling, reactions on social media were mixed. While some Nigerians supported the court’s decision, insisting that the case should proceed without unnecessary delays, others criticized the ruling as unfair and lacking transparency.
Legal analysts also weighed in, noting that the defence team still has the right to seek further legal remedies, including appealing the ruling on medical treatment if they deem it necessary.
What happens next
With the new court directives, the legal proceedings are expected to enter a more decisive stage. Kanu’s team is set to open its defence on October 23, while the prosecution will make its final submissions thereafter.
The outcome of this case will have significant legal and political implications, especially given the broader security and separatist tensions in Nigeria’s South-East region.
Conclusion
The Federal High Court’s ruling affirming the adequacy of the DSS medical facility for Nnamdi Kanu’s care signals a push to expedite the high-profile trial.
With clear timelines set for the defence and closing arguments, all eyes will be on the October 23 and 30 hearings, which may shape the final phase of a case that has attracted national and international attention.
