Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has referred back to Chief Judge a motion filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), seeking medical transfer to the National Hospital, Abuja.
Gatekeepers News reports that Kanu, through his counsel, Uchenna Njoku (SAN), filed an ex parte motion asking the court to allow him access to urgent medical care.
However, Justice Liman, in a brief ruling, ordered that the case file be returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment, noting that the Federal High Court’s annual vacation ends today, September 15.
At the resumed hearing, Liman explained that the vacation court could not hear all matters listed, as over 30 cases had been scheduled and reduced to six for the day.
He added that under Section 46(8) of the FHC Rules, any matter that could not be concluded during the vacation period must be referred back to the Chief Judge.
Although he acknowledged that Kanu’s motion was urgent due to health concerns, Liman stressed that it was filed late.
Counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), did not oppose Njoku’s application but pointed out that the delay was regrettable.
Awomolo said, “Had the application been filed earlier, it would have been taken during the vacation. But we are ready to argue the motion any time, any day.”
Consequently, Justice Liman directed the court registry to forward the case file to the Chief Judge for reassignment.
