A special medical panel of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) now has 16 October to give its report on the health status of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, who is on terrorism trial at the Federal High Court Abuja.

‎‎Justice James Omotosho gave the date after the prosecutor, Suraj Sa’aida SAN, informed the Court that the panel of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) was not ready. ‎‎

The prosecutor requested for a week to enable it to complete its assignment which was due this Wednesday.

This application was not opposed by the defence lawyers led by Kanu Agabi SAN.

In a short ruling, Justice Omotosho reminded all parties in the case of the court’s stance on accelerated hearing of the matter. ‎‎

The judge however noted that he is inclined to adjourn the matter till 16 October, which will be enough time for the medical panel to complete its job. ‎‎

Acting on the direct order of the Federal High Court, the NMA committee—made up of cardiologists, neurologists, and senior specialists—was tasked with one question: Is Nnamdi Kanu fit to stand trial? ‎‎

The intervention by the court follows weeks of conflicting claims from doctors of the DSS and Kanu’s private physician on his true state of health, amidst claims of deteriorating condition and alleged manipulation of medical records.‎‎

The NMA Committee’s mandate is to examine Kanu directly, both inside DSS custody and, if necessary, in external hospitals.

It must also assess whether DSS facilities are capable of handling his ailments—or if he should be transferred to the National Hospital in Abuja, or another specialized center.‎

Geoffrey Uche Nnaji resigned today as the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology.

In a letter thanking President Bola Tinubu for having allowed him to serve Nigeria, Nnaji said that he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents, citing some allegations against him.

In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, dated October 7, 2025 ,President Tinubu has accepted Nnaji ‘s resignation , thanks him for his service to the nation and wished him well in future endeavors.

President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday conferred the honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on Prof Mahmood Yakubu, the outgoing Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying that the award was in recognition of Yakubu’s dedicated service to the nation.

Yakubu was first appointed in November 2015 as the 14th chairman of the commission for an initial term of five years. The appointment, which was renewed in 2020, has now expired due to the passage of time.

President Tinubu thanked Professor Yakubu for his services to the nation and his efforts to sustain Nigeria’s democracy, particularly through the organisation of free and fair elections throughout his two-term tenure.

Consequent upon this, President Tinubu also directed that Professor Yakubu should hand over to the most senior national commissioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will direct the affairs of the commission until the completion of the process to appoint a successor.

In the letter dated October 3, 2025, Professor Yakubu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve the nation as chairman of the commission since 2015.