The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that the health condition of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is not life-threatening.
A medical panel constituted by the NMA president to evaluate Kanu’s health, in line with a court order, reported that the IPOB leader is medically fit to stand trial.
Two weeks earlier, justice James Omotosho had directed the association to conduct an independent health assessment after the defence and prosecution presented conflicting medical reports.
Kanu is currently facing terrorism-related charges filed by the federal government.
According to the panel’s report, submitted to the court on October 13 by the prosecution team led by chief Adegboyega Awomolo, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and partly read in open court, Kanu’s condition poses no immediate danger to his life, and he is capable of continuing with his trial.
Satisfied with the findings, and noting no objections from either side, justice Omotosho ruled that Kanu was fit to proceed.
The judge then scheduled six consecutive days, starting October 23, for Kanu to open and conclude his defence.
Justice Omotosho also granted an oral application from Kanu’s lead counsel, chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), requesting permission for a private consultation between Kanu and his legal team outside the Department of State Services (DSS) facility.
Agabi had expressed concerns that the DSS might be monitoring or recording their discussions.
The court approved that the meeting be held within the courtroom, with only Kanu and his lawyers present, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on October 22, one day before the trial results.
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