Efforts have been renewed to obtain the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the imprisoned leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), based on compassionate grounds.

This new initiative seeks to highlight the humanitarian aspects of his situation, advocating for his freedom amidst growing concerns for his well-being while in custody. Click link to continue reading.

This emerged on Saturday, following a plea by a former spokesman for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign in the South-East, Denge Josef Onoh to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release two eminent citizens from the South East: the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and the president general of the apex igbo organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata.

Onoh, in a statement made available to Tribune Online, called on President Tinubu to release Kanu to those leaders as part of the ongoing deliberate efforts at fostering inclusive governance, national healing, and conflict resolution.

Onoh explained that he was making the “constructive plea on behalf of the Igbo people and the broader Nigerian family,” stating that Kanu’s incarceration amid charges of terrorism and treasonable felony has worsened insecurity and allowed criminals to masquerade as separatists, fueling violence, economic sabotage.”

He further opined that the prolonged detention of the IPOB since “his extraordinary rendition from Kenya in 2021″has cast a long shadow over the South-East.

“His incarceration, amid charges of terrorism and treasonable felony, has not only exacerbated insecurity but also allowed opportunistic criminals to masquerade as separatists, fueling violence, economic sabotage, and the displacement of our people.

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Onoh commended the President for the timely diplomatic efforts of the government that led to the quick trial and conviction of the Finland-based self-acclaimed factional leader of the gang of IPOB and the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Onoh lauded especially the leadership of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on the efforts that culminated in the conviction of the IPOB factional leader.

Onoh said he is aware that President Tinubu realizes that the release of Kanu is not merely a legal or humanitarian imperative but also a strategic pathway to de-escalate tensions, unmask genuine agitators from bandits, and restore investor confidence in the South-East.

He said recent calls from some prominent citizens, including the Ambassador Bianca and the president general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo president general Worldwide, Senator Azuta-Mbata, underscored the urgency of releasing Kanu, emphasising that his freedom would improve security and enable him to attend to his deteriorating health.

Part of the statement read: “In this spirit, I respectfully urge Mr President to exercise your constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy and release Mazi Kanu unconditionally—but with a deliberate handover into the personal custody of two exemplary figures: Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Senator John Azuta-Mbata.

“This approach would transform a potentially divisive act into a unifying gesture, ensuring that Mazi Kanu’s reintegration serves the collective good rather than narrow ambitions,” he stated.

Onoh said his choice of the two personalities was deliberate “because it’s rooted in their unassailable integrity, deep-rooted commitment to Igbo heritage, and proven track record as non-partisan stewards of peace—qualities that will shield this process from exploitation by self-serving politicians in the South-East who might otherwise leverage his release to advance individual electoral or factional interests.

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“The majority of the president’s associates from the South-East are politicians and not friends, and not up to two percent have his interest at heart but rather promote his interest to serve their personal benefits,” Onoh claimed.

“Firstly, my choice of Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu isn’t based on the fact she’s my immediate elder sister or family ties, but rather as the widow of the Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the architect of Biafran resilience and a symbol of Igbo identity.

“Bianca embodies the moral authority and diplomatic finesse needed to guide Mazi Kanu toward constructive dialogue.

“Her recent appointment as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs positions her uniquely to bridge federal and regional divides, while her public vows to ‘do whatever it takes’ to secure his release demonstrate her personal stake in South-East stability.

“Bianca has repeatedly highlighted how Mazi Kanu’s detention has enabled criminals to hijack the IPOB narrative; she has always argued that his freedom would ‘separate genuine freedom fighters from those causing mayhem’ and reclaim Igboland from existential threats.

“So, handing him over to her ensures oversight by a figure of national stature, insulated from local politicking, and aligned with your administration’s vision for national healing,” Onoh added.

“Secondly, my nomination of Senator John Azuta-Mbata isn’t only based on the fact that we share a long bond and personal grief when we lost a close friend in the early 2000s, whom we both shared a strong bond of brotherhood Emmanuel Ibegbu of blessed memory, but rather as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Mbata represents the authentic voice of Ndigbo; he has consistently advocated not for division but for equity within Nigeria’s federation.

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“His recent appeals for Mazi Kanu’s release—framed as essential for medical treatment and a “political solution” with “no serious advantage” to the government in prolonged detention—reflect a statesmanlike focus on welfare and reconciliation.

“Unlike partisan actors, Senator Mbata’s role transcends electoral cycles, allowing him to facilitate community reintegration without the taint of personal ambition.

“He is one of the few distinguished Nigerians I can vouch for with certainty and confidence.

“His leadership in mobilising Ndigbo for civic duties, such as voter registration, further proves his dedication to democratic participation over separatist extremes.

“By entrusting Mazi Kanu to these custodians, Mr. President, you would preempt any risk of his release being politicised by South-East politicians eyeing 2027 polls or internal rivalries. “I live amongst these southeast politicians, I can boldly tell you Mr. President, I know them more than you do; I know their history and antecedents.

“They are my Igbo brothers and sisters, and we speak the same language, so most of them will hate me for this statement to you because they thrive on the chaos to promote their political ambitions.

“Both nominees lack the baggage of active partisanship—Bianca as a federal appointee and Mbata as a cultural apex leader—and possess the gravitas to enforce conditions like renouncing violence, engaging in dialogue, and supporting your administration’s peace initiatives.

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“This handover would signal your commitment to inclusive federalism, honour the South-East contributions to Nigeria’s democracy, and align with global best practices for resolving separatist tensions through trusted mediators.

“Each governor of the South-East state shall nominate the chairman of the traditional rulers council of their respective states, which will be led by the Obi of Onitsha, to sign the undertaking with the NSA and heads of all security agencies present.

“Finally, Mr. President, the confidence you had in me to be your voice in the South-East has been my greatest honour and that confidence is greater than any political office, it signifies trust, capability and leadership.

“You have never found me wanting, and you never will. the time for bold, compassionate leadership is now.

“Releasing Mazi Kanu under these safeguards would not only quench the fires of agitation but also fortify the Renewed Hope agenda, proving that Nigeria’s unity thrives on justice, not coercion.

“I stand ready to support this process in any capacity and beseech you to act swiftly.”

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A Nigerian lady who has been in the United Kingdom for about three years has cried out online after being asked to leave

In a video, she shared her frustration with netizens including the mistake she made that caused her to be deported. Click link to continue reading.

Emotional reactions trailed her video on TikTok as social media users stormed the comments section to console her.

A Nigerian student in the United Kingdom faced deportation after making an honest mistake at work. Enyi Onyinye Grace, who had been in the UK for three years, shared her emotional story with netizens.

Nigerian lady mandated to leave UK immediately

The video, posted by @instablog9ja on X, showed Ms Grace in tears as she narrated her experience.

According to her, she had overworked without realising it, and her employer informed her that the Home Office had contacted them.

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She provided her employer with the reasons for her actions and thought the matter was resolved.

However, the Home Office later contacted her, stating that she had exceeded her allowed work hours and requested an explanation.

Ms Grace claimed she was transparent about her situation, explaining that she had been struggling with depression following her father’s death.

Despite her honesty, her university withdrew its sponsorship, mentioning her mistake as the major reason.

Ms Grace said she pleaded with the university to reconsider, explaining that she was in a vulnerable state, but they reportedly refused to help.

She lamented that she was treated like someone who had intentionally done wrong.

Even when she asked if she could complete her studies online whilst returning to her home country, the university refused, meaning she would not be able to obtain her degree.

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Ms Grace had achieved good academic results, which was what her father had always wanted for her.

However, she was given a deportation order with immediate effect, without being allowed to complete her studies

Having established herself in the UK over three years, Ms Grace expressed pain about returning to her home country, where she had no one and nothing to return to. With a heavy heart, she was making plans to leave the UK.

In her words:

“I never knew that one day I will come out vulnerable like this. I made a mistake, I made a mistake at work. I overworked unknowingly. My employer messaged me to say that the home office called them, and I gave them my reasons and they submitted to the home office and I thought everything was fine. I lost my dad, my sponsor, and I tried as much as possible to come out of the depression I was passing through even if it was hard. Ah my heart is aching my heart is breaking to pieces.

“The home office messaged me to say that I overworked my hours and I need to give my reasons so I gave them the honest reasons why I made this mistake, because currently in as much as I’m passing through all these my progression results is good. I’m currently in first class, and that was what my dad always wanted for me. They didn’t listen to me. They asked me to leave the country with immediate effect. They didn’t give me chance to you know at least to complete my studies. That was the only thing I wanted, I just wanted to complete my studies.

“I was being very honest, really honest. I told them what I was passing through. I told them what happened but unfortunately the uni withdrew my sponsorship, they withdrew my sponsorship. I cried I cried I begged them I told them that I was just I was just in a vulnerable state. They didn’t come through for me. They were only treating me like a thief. I’ve asked the uni if they would allow me even if I go back to my country to allow me finish my course online, at least that was the only thing I asked but they said no they said they can’t so I can’t even get my degree.

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“I was being very honest really honest I told them what I was passing through I told them what happened but unfortunately the union withdrawed my sponsorship they withdrawed they withdrawed my sponsorship I cried I cried I begged them I told them that I was just I was just in a vulnerable state they didn’t come through for me they only treating me like a thief I’m treating me like a thief I’ve asked the union if they would allow me even if I go back to my country to allow me finish my course online at least that was the only thing I asked but they said no they said they can’t so I can’t even get my degree.

“It’s been three years. Three years of pain, three years of constant pain. I had to work even when I’m sick. I had to work even when I’m depressed. I had to work even when I don’t know what to do. I held on so strong. I held on so strong. But then no help. No route, currently I’m making my plans to leave the country. I’m making my plans to leave. They asked me to leave with immediate effect. This is a country I’ve stayed for three years. I’ve established myself for three years. What am I going back to? I have nobody to go back to. I have nothing to go back to.”

Reactions as Nigerian lady faces deportation

Nigerians stormed the comments section to react to the video.

Treazy said: “Nigerians going abroad should know that abroad isn’t Nigeria. Where people get reckless and ignore the laws, the systems work, and you will get caught. Stop crying and come back home, at least in Nigeria, you can break the law easily, and no one will hold you accountable.”

One gentle said: “Ah this is a problem own this one nothing can be done except God intervention.”

Edgard said: “Hei, kindly join our midnight online prayer named Alpha Hour with his servant Pastor Elvis Agyeman, God will surely intervene in your situation. Stay blessed!”

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Memphis said: “Working 50hrs a week as a student is insane. The gap from 20 to 50 is to wide and obvious. These people are it going to pity yall, they don’t care, just abide by their rules man. Idk why this video is on the internet anyway.”

Olusegun reacted: “God Abeg ooo. Tho this people strictly work by rules, truth and honesty. I do feel pity for her and hoping she can appeal the decision which I know nothing about sorry dear, brace up.”

Great Tony said: “They can’t do that! She didn’t commit any crime. They should fine her and give a serious warning of deportation if this happens again. You can treat her like that. She should file for appeal.”

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Tension hangs thick in the air of Enugu State following the shocking and brutal murder of a beloved Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya.

The tragic incident unfolded on Friday evening along the dimly lit Eha-Alumona–Eha-Ndiagu Road, nestled in the Nsukka Local Government Area. Click link to continue reading

Fr. Eya, who served as the parish priest of St. Charles Catholic Church in Eha-Ndiagu, was known for his dedicated service to the community and was held in high regard by his congregation.

Eyewitness accounts and initial reports painted a grim picture, suggesting that armed kidnappers were responsible for the attack, targeting the cleric during his journey home.

Social media quickly buzzed with alarming posts, claiming that gunmen had opened fire on Fr. Eya’s vehicle, resulting in his instant death while some passengers traveling with him were abducted. However, as the story evolved, local sources revealed a more unsettling narrative—one that hints at premeditated murder rather than an opportunistic kidnapping.

According to insiders from the community who spoke to journalists on Saturday morning, it appears that the priest was deliberately targeted. He was reportedly driving alone when the assailants, who were observed riding motorbikes, ambushed him near the ongoing construction site of a Type C hospital, a location that has now become a chilling backdrop to this somber event.

“They shot and deflated his tyres, forcing the vehicle to stop. They then approached and shot him multiple times at close range. This does not look like a kidnapping situation,” the source stated.

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The late priest hailed from Ugbaike, in Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of the state.

Confirming the tragic development, the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, Fr. Cajetan Iyidobi, issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss.

“Shocked to the marrow, it is with crushing pain and sorrow, yet with total submission to the will of the Almighty God and firm hope in the resurrection of the dead, that I inform you of the tragic death of yet another brother of ours, Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya.

“He was shot dead yesterday, 19 September 2025, along the Eha-Alumona–Eha-Ndiagu Road. Let us remain ardent in prayer that God sees us through this period of devastating anguish. May his soul rest in peace. Amen,” the statement reads.

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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has killed more than 25 terrorists in a coordinated night air operation at Bula in Yobe and Banki axis of Borno.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Saturday in Abuja.

Ejodame said the operations were conducted on Sept. 18 following intelligence from ground troops.

He said a force package of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets and strike aircraft tracked terrorist movements and identified multiple groups north of Banki.

He said real-time updates were relayed to ground forces and base operations, enabling synchronised action.

“The strike aircraft engaged the terrorists in three successive precision strikes on their movement routes and assembly areas, effectively neutralising more than 25 fighters.

“Post-strike surveillance confirmed ground forces remained in defensive positions, with no further threats observed,” he said.

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Ejodame said the operation underscored NAF’s decisive support to ground troops, denial of terrorist freedom of action, and unwavering commitment to securing Nigeria’s North-East.

Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, also known as Gentle de Yahoo, self-proclaimed Commander of the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA), has been responsible for significant unrest in the Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State for several years.

His activities have resulted in considerable destruction, loss of life, and the displacement of residents, who have been compelled to endure a pervasive atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. Click link to continue reading.

Recently, his apprehension by security forces has marked a pivotal shift in the region’s security landscape.

Okorienta was accused of orchestrating numerous high-profile attacks, kidnappings, and killings in the region. His gang had taken control of several communities, imposing their rule through violence and intimidation.

An indigene of Aku autonomous community in Okigwe Local Government Area, he was reportedly chased out of Orsu in Orlu LGA about four years ago before he took his nefarious activities to his hometown, committing numerous atrocities including the murder of a soldier couple returning home for their traditional marriage.

In a particularly gruesome incident, the woman, an army officer, was beheaded, causing terror to loom endlessly over the communities under his sphere. Yet his reign had begun in an innocuous manner as he and members of his group were only involved in mediating in land disputes. Families who had land quarrels would report to them and they would intervene.

The trend continued until their mediation began to wear the toga of violence and caused people to lose their lives.

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In the process, they graduated into kidnappers, targeting members of the political class in particular to the extent that many were forced to quit politics. As a result, Okigwe LGA saw significant decline in political participation, as people were afraid to identify themselves as politicians for fear of attack.

Okigwe residents were then forced to pay homage to Gentle Yahoo’s group and seek their approval for even the simplest of social activities like marriage, burials or festivals.

An Imo resident said: “We cannot step a foot into Okigwe Local Government Area even as Imo indigenes because of these bandits.

“They mount checkpoints in all the villages, break into houses and occupy properties without approval. Even houses built by people in the diaspora are not spared.”

The atmosphere became so tense that many residents fled their homes, seeking refuge in neighbouring communities. Businesses have collapsed in the area and social life has come to a standstill.

Once-thriving communities like Ihube, Aku, Umulolo, Agbobu, Amuro, Umuowa Ibu, Umualumoke, Ezinachi and others are now like ghost towns.

A culture of violence
Gentle de Yahoo’s group has been linked to numerous atrocities, including organ harvesting, kidnapping and armed robbery. They have also been accused of seizing people’s farmlands, harvesting the crops and claiming ownership. Traditional rulers have been forced to pay homage to the group, with some even cooking for them.

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It was gathered that nearly all the traditional rulers in the affected areas pay homage to the group to avoid being harmed. No monarch in Okigwe dared organise a programme or celebrate the new yam festival without first obtaining their approval.

Traditional rulers were forced to sympathise with the group and maintain communication with them; the only exemptions being Eze Acho, who was kidnapped and rescued but has since avoided Okigwe LGA, and Eze Aku, who has since fled the area.

“The boys are well-armed with bombs everywhere, and that is why the military finds it difficult to get to them,” a resident said, preferring anonymity for safety reasons.

“They have laid mines in many places, and one of the things they did was to subject the people to oath-taking, never to speak out or betray them.”

Arrest enmeshed in controversy
Reports quoting sources at the headquarters of the Nigerian Army had claimed that troops of Operation UDOKA had arrested Okorienta during a raid in Okigwe Local Government Area.

The operation, carried out on a Sunday, was said to have followed credible intelligence on the hideouts of the criminal kingpin.

Troops were also said to have recovered an English pistol, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62 NATO ammunition, a live cartridge, six mobile phones as well as police and military uniforms.

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The Nigerian Army has since confirmed that Okorienta was the target of a major operation in his stronghold at Ihube. But while some reports suggest he was killed, others indicate that he might have escaped.

Consequently, many residents remain skeptical despite reports of Gentle Yahoo’s arrest by the Nigerian Army.
“As we speak, Gentle de Yahoo is alive, moving freely in Okigwe,” a resident who prefers anonymity said.

“If the police or security agencies say they have arrested him, we challenge them to make the picture public.”

A resident of Umuowa Ibu, who gave his name simply as Boss, claimed that the news that Okorienta was arrested or eliminated is fake.

He said: “As we speak, Gentle de Yahoo is alive, moving freely in Okigwe.
“If the police or security agencies say they have arrested him, we challenge them to make the picture public. There should be nothing secret about his arrest.

“Remember, when Nnamdi Kanu was arrested in Kenya, it was not a secret. They brought him in handcuffs.

“When Simon Ekpa was arrested, they made it open and showed us the picture.

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“There were many people before now who have terrorised other states, and when they are arrested, they would parade them.”

He said Gentle de Yahoo has committed so many crimes that he should not be tried secretly if at all he is arrested.
“I dare the Imo State Government, the military, police command, the Tiger Base or anyone who says that Gentle has been arrested to show the pictorial evidence. They should show us his corpse if he has been eliminated.

“Among the five people they claimed that they have killed, two were ladies and the second in command escaped, so there is no evidence to show that one of other three persons is Gentle.

“Now we are suspecting a foul play. Why the fake news and who sponsored it?

“And the state government is yet to respond to the news of Gentle de Yahoo being killed. No official report from Imo State Government with regard to this issue.
“We are now saying that the state government knows what they are doing. So the government and the military have alot of explanations to make. ”

He said a top military officer contacted also said he was not aware of Okorienta’s arrest, adding: “Since an army officer is not aware, who arrested Gentle.? Even all the security agencies in Okigwe denied the arrest.

“So I am confirming to you 101 per cent that Gentle has not been arrested by anyone. I made all my investigations and found that this guy is still alive.

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“They did not even get to where he is. They went to where they suspected he was, but he was not there. The 2ic and his second in command were not there.”

He queried: “How are they obtaining their weapons, considering they operate with machine guns?

“How did they get those equipment, sophisticated weapons that are under the control of government?”

He noted that the group engages in daily shootouts with security agents but never runs out of ammunition. “They have walkie-talkie gadgets with which they communicate with themselves,” the resident said.

The question many are asking is how they are able to sustain their operations, given the kidnappings and other activities they engage in.

Another resident said: “The government has not been able to identify who has been supplying them weapons for more than four years, and they have sustained their operation.”

The situation, he said, has led to a mass exodus of residents, with many fleeing to neighbouring communities.

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“Social life is gone in Okigwe Local Government,” the resident lamented.

“They have informants, and almost all the Okada riders in Okigwe are their informants.”

A call to action
Residents are calling on the state government to take decisive action to address the crisis. “We want the state government to block the source of supply of arms to this deadly group, equip local vigilante groups with arms, vehicles, and other facilities that will aid them to comb bushes and fish these bad boys out,” a resident said.

As the situation in Okigwe continues to deteriorate, one thing is clear: the people of Okigwe deserve peace, security, and justice. The government must act swiftly to restore order and bring Gentle Yahoo’s reign of terror to an end.

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The Federal High Court in Abuja will today (Monday) hear an application by the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, seeking an order for his transfer from the custody of the Department of State Services to the National Hospital, Abuja, for urgent medical care.

The motion, filed by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN) on September 3, followed what his lawyers described as a “worrisome decline” in his health while in detention.

Vacation judge, Justice Musa Liman, had earlier granted leave for the application to be heard during the court’s annual vacation period, citing its urgency.

“I believe that the right to health is as important as the right to life. And so I agree that this matter can be heard by the vacation court,” Justice Liman ruled, fixing September 15 for hearing and directing Kanu’s counsel, Uchenna Njoku (SAN), to serve processes on the DSS.

In his supporting affidavit, Kanu’s brother, Emmanuel Kanu, deposed that the IPOB leader had recently complained of persistent weakness and body pains.

He said doctors invited to examine him discovered worrying health complications.

According to him, a team of doctors led by Emeritus Prof. Austin A.C. Agaji conducted tests in August and, on September 1, informed the family that Kanu was suffering from kidney and liver-related issues, dangerously low potassium levels, and a swelling under his armpit requiring urgent medical investigation.

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Agabi told the court that medical reports recommended Kanu’s immediate transfer to the National Hospital as an interim measure.

“The applicant’s health is seriously deteriorating considering the nature of his confinement, thereby making it more pressing to bring this application before a vacation judge,” Agabi argued.

“The examination revealed issues with his pancreas and liver, as well as an emerging lump underneath his armpit and dangerously low levels of potassium. The doctors have recommended that he be moved to the National Hospital to forestall further decline.”

Agabi further claimed that a letter by the doctors to the DSS Director-General advising Kanu’s transfer had gone unanswered.

Kanu is currently standing trial before Justice James Omotosho of the same court on terrorism-related charges.

His lawyers noted that a pending bail application filed on May 19 could not be heard before the commencement of the court’s vacation, leaving him in continued detention.

They argued that granting the transfer request would not prejudice the DSS.

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“The grant of the application would not occasion any injustice to the DSS,” Agabi maintained. “The court is imbued with jurisdiction to hear and grant the prayers sought in the application.”

The application, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, lists 11 grounds why the request should be granted, with Kanu’s legal team insisting that his right to health and life were at stake.

The court is expected to rule on the application after hearing arguments from both sides today.

Kanu has been in the DSS detension since 2021 after his recapture in Kenya and repatriation to Nigeria.