The Federal High Court in Abuja declined Nnamdi Kanu’s request for transfer from Department of State Services (DSS) custody to the National Hospital for urgent medical attention. On September 15, 2025, Justice Musa Liman refused to hear the motion, citing a lack of jurisdiction as his role as vacation judge had ended that day. The case file was referred back to the Chief Judge for reassignment to another judge.

Kanu’s legal team, led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), had filed the ex-parte motion on September 1, 2025, highlighting his deteriorating health, including liver and pancreatic issues, low potassium levels, and a lump under his armpit, based on a recent medical examination. They argued that DSS had ignored doctors’ recommendations for the transfer. The federal government opposed the motion via a 37-paragraph counter-affidavit served in court. This occurred during the court’s vacation period, and Kanu remains in DSS custody while facing terrorism related charges before Justice James Omotosho.