The medical team empanelled by the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has concluded that the ailment complained about by detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is not life-threatening.
The panel’s finding came after Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ordered an independent medical evaluation midway into Kanu’s terrorism trial, following conflicting claims about his health from medical experts representing both the prosecution and defence.
According to the panel’s report, submitted to the court on October 13 by the prosecution team led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) and partly read during Thursday’s proceedings, Kanu was declared fit to stand trial.
Justice Omotosho, relying on the report and the absence of objections from either party, ruled that the trial should proceed.
“The court is convinced that the defendant can proceed with his trial,” the judge stated.
The court subsequently granted Kanu six consecutive days, beginning October 23, to open and close his defence.
Additionally, Justice Omotosho granted an oral application by defence counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), requesting that Kanu’s legal team be allowed to hold private consultations with him outside the Department of State Services (DSS) premises.
Agabi had raised concerns that discussions with the defendant could be monitored or recorded by security operatives.
The judge approved that the private meeting take place inside the courtroom from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on October 22, with only Kanu and his lawyers present. The trial will then resume on October 23.
The development marks a significant step in the long-running trial of the self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who faces multiple counts related to alleged terrorism and separatist activities.
