The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has declared that the health condition of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is not life-threatening, affirming that he is fit to stand trial.
The assessment followed a directive by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, who ordered the NMA to independently evaluate Kanu’s health after conflicting medical reports were presented by experts from both the prosecution and the defence.
In its report, submitted to the court on October 13 by the prosecution team led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) and partly read during Thursday’s proceedings, the NMA panel stated that “the defendant’s ailment is not life-threatening,” concluding that Kanu is medically fit to face trial.
Justice Omotosho, relying on the medical report and noting no objection from either party, ruled that the court was satisfied with the findings and directed that the trial proceed.
He subsequently granted the IPOB leader six consecutive days — beginning from October 23 — to open and conclude his defence.
The judge also approved an oral application by Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), requesting that his legal team be allowed to hold private consultations with the defendant outside the premises of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Agabi told the court that the defence team feared its discussions with Kanu within DSS facilities could be monitored or recorded.
In response, Justice Omotosho granted permission for the private meeting to be held in the courtroom on October 22, between 9 a.m. and noon, with only Kanu and his lawyers present.
The court thereafter fixed October 23 for the continuation of the trial.
