The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that the health condition of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is not life-threatening and does not prevent him from standing trial.
A medical team set up by the NMA President completed an independent examination of Kanu as directed by the court and concluded that he is medically fit to continue with his case.
About two weeks ago, Justice James Omotosho had ordered the association to carry out the assessment after the court received conflicting medical reports from both the prosecution and the defence.
Okay News reports that the medical panel submitted its findings to the court on October 13 through the prosecution team led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN). The report stated that Kanu’s health challenges do not pose any immediate risk to his life and confirmed that he is capable of attending and participating in his trial.
Following the report and without objection from either side, Justice Omotosho ruled that the court was satisfied with the NMA’s findings and therefore declared Kanu fit to proceed with his defence.
The judge then fixed six consecutive days, starting from October 23, for the defendant to open and close his case.
In addition, the court granted a request made orally by Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), seeking permission for a private meeting between Kanu and his lawyers outside the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Agabi had told the court that the legal team was concerned that their conversations with the IPOB leader might be monitored by DSS officials.
Justice Omotosho granted the request, directing that the meeting take place inside the courtroom with only Kanu and his lawyers present. The consultation will hold between 9 a.m. and 12 noon on October 22, ahead of the continuation of the trial the next day.
