Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has referred a motion filed by the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, back to the Chief Judge for reassignment.

Kanu, through an ex parte motion, sought an order directing his transfer to the National Hospital, Abuja, for urgent medical treatment.

In a brief ruling, Justice Liman granted the request of Kanu’s counsel, Uchenna Njoku, SAN, to return the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, noting that the court’s annual vacation ends today, 15 September. Counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, did not oppose the application.

Earlier in proceedings, Justice Liman explained that there was insufficient time for the vacation court to hear Kanu’s application. He disclosed that 30 cases were listed for the day’s sitting but were reduced to six due to time constraints.

Citing Section 46(8) of the Federal High Court Rules, he explained that any case not concluded within the vacation period must be referred to the Chief Judge for reassignment. While acknowledging the urgency of Kanu’s application on health grounds, the judge noted that it had been filed late.

In response, Awomolo stressed that case management lies within the discretion of the court, adding:
“Had they filed the application earlier, it would have been heard during the vacation. But we are ready to take the motion any time, any day.”

Justice Liman thereafter directed that the case file be sent to the court registry for reassignment.