Nnamdi Kanu's Health Deteriorates: Lawyer Urges Supreme Court for Transfer to Kuje Correctional Centre

In a crucial hearing at the Supreme Court, Mike Ozekhome, the senior counsel representing Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), expressed grave concern over his client's deteriorating health and raised fears about his potential demise while in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

During the hearing on Thursday, Ozekhome presented a compelling case to the apex court, highlighting Kanu's urgent need for a surgical operation. The lawyer fervently appealed to the court, requesting a ruling in favor of transferring Kanu from the DSS custody to the Kuje correctional centre, enabling him to receive the vital medical treatment he urgently requires.

In a statement quoted by BBC News Pidgin, Ozekhome emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "My Lords, Nnamdi Kanu is sick, he has been approved for surgery but they have refused to release him for treatment." The lawyer passionately pleaded for his client's transfer to the Kuje correctional centre, where he would have access to the necessary medical attention, just like other inmates.

Nnamdi Kanu, a prominent figure advocating for the secession of Biafra from Nigeria, has been in the custody of the DSS since his re-arrest on June 27, 2021. The charges against him include treasonable felony, terrorism, and illegal possession of firearms, among others. Since his detention, there have been persistent concerns regarding his health condition and the adequacy of medical care provided to him.

The call for Kanu's transfer to the Kuje correctional centre is driven by the urgency to address his worsening health condition. Ozekhome and the legal team argue that delaying his much-needed surgical procedure could lead to dire consequences, including the possibility of Kanu losing his life while in custody.

The Supreme Court now faces the weighty decision of ruling on Kanu's transfer to the Kuje correctional centre for medical treatment. The outcome of this hearing will not only impact Kanu's well-being but also carry significant implications for the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding his case.

As the nation eagerly awaits the Supreme Court's ruling, the attention of the public remains focused on the health and safety of Nnamdi Kanu, a figure whose cause has ignited fervent discussions about self-determination and regional autonomy in Nigeria.