The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has declared that the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is medically fit to face trial, noting that his illness is not life-threatening.
This was contained in a report submitted to the Federal High Court in Abuja by a medical panel set up by the NMA President in compliance with an earlier order of the court.
Justice James Omotosho had, about two weeks ago, directed the NMA to conduct an independent medical examination on Kanu following contradictory health reports presented by the prosecution and defence teams.
Presenting the report in court on Thursday, the prosecution team led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) said the panel found that while Kanu had some medical conditions, none of them posed an immediate danger to his life. The NMA concluded that the defendant was “fit to stand trial.”
Relying on the medical findings and noting there was no objection from either party, Justice Omotosho held that he was satisfied with the report and ruled that the trial should proceed.
The judge subsequently scheduled six consecutive days, from October 23 to 28, for Kanu to open and close his defence.
In a related development, Justice Omotosho granted an oral application by Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), requesting that his client be allowed to hold a private consultation with his legal team outside the Department of State Services (DSS) facility.
Agabi had raised concerns that their discussions were being monitored by the DSS, compromising confidentiality.
The judge approved that the private meeting be held within the courtroom, with only Kanu and his lawyers in attendance, between 9 a.m. and 12 noon on October 22, ahead of the trial’s resumption the following day.
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