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 set up by the NMA President carried out the independent health assessment as directed by the court and concluded that Kanu is medically fit to continue with his trial.
About two weeks ago, Justice James Omotosho ordered the NMA to evaluate Kanu’s health following conflicting medical reports submitted by both the defence and the prosecution. 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 (SAN), the IPOB leader’s illness “does not pose any immediate danger to his life.” The report was partly read in open court during Thursday’s proceedings.
Relying on the findings, and with no objection from any of the parties, Justice Omotosho ruled that the court was satisfied with the medical assessment and that Kanu is fit to stand trial.
The judge granted Kanu six consecutive days—beginning October 23—to open and close his defence.
Additionally, Justice Omotosho approved an oral request by Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), seeking a private consultation between the defendant and his legal team outside the Department of State Services (DSS) premises.
Agabi had expressed concern that discussions between Kanu and his lawyers could be monitored or recorded by DSS officials. The court ruled that the private meeting would take place in the courtroom on October 22, between 9 a.m. and 12 noon, with only Kanu and his legal representatives present.
The trial is set to resume on October 23.