The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is in stable condition and medically fit to continue his trial.
This followed a directive from Justice James Omotosho, who asked the NMA to constitute a medical panel to verify Kanu’s health status after receiving conflicting medical reports from doctors engaged by both the Department of State Services (DSS) and Kanu’s defence team.
In a report submitted to the court on October 13 by the prosecution team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Adegboyega Awomolo, the NMA panel stated that Kanu’s condition was not life-threatening. The panel concluded that there was no medical reason preventing him from standing trial.
After reviewing the report and noting the absence of objections from both parties, Justice Omotosho ruled that the defendant was fit to proceed with his case.
The judge then granted Kanu six consecutive days, starting October 23, to open and conclude his defence.
He also approved a request made orally by Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), for the defence team to have a private consultation with their client outside DSS custody. Agabi had expressed concern that discussions held within DSS premises might be monitored.
Justice Omotosho ruled that the private meeting should take place inside the courtroom on October 22, between 9 a.m. and 12 noon, with only Kanu and his legal team present. The trial will resume on October 23.
