Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court (FHC) in Abuja, on Monday, sent back to the chief judge (CJ), a motion filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), for reassignment.
According to reports that Kanu, in the motion ex-parte, is seeking an order of the court transferring him to Abuja National Hospital for urgent medical attention.
Justice Liman, in a short ruling, made the order transferring the case file back to the CJ, following an application by Kanu’s counsel, Uchenna Njoku, SAN, considering the fact that the annual vacation of the court would be ending today.
The Department of State Services (DSS)’s lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, did not oppose Uchenna ‘s application.
Earlier upon resumed hearing in the case, the judge hinted that there was no time anymore for the vacation court to decide Kanu’s motion.
He said not less than 30 cases were listed for the day’s proceedings by the registrar and since the court would be unable to take all, the cases were proned down to six.
The judge said in line with Section 46(8) of the FHC Rules, any case that could not be completed within vacation period would have to be sent back to the CJ for reassignment.
He said though Kanu’s motion was an urgent one in view of the health ground, it was filed lately.
Responding, Awomolo said in case management, the court had the overriding decision on which case to go on and which is not to go on.
Njoku said their application dated Sept. 1, was filed same date.
Awomolo said it was unfortunate that the matter was coming up rather late.
Justice Liman consequently ordered that the case file be referred by to the registry for reassignment.
About the Author
