The medical panel appointed by the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has determined that the illness complained of by the detained self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is not life-threatening.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the medical evaluation midway through Kanu’s terrorism trial to verify his true health condition following contradictory claims made by medical experts representing both the prosecution and the defence.
In the report submitted to the court on October 13 by the prosecution team led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) and partially read during Thursday’s proceedings, the panel stated that the defendant’s medical condition was not life-threatening.
The team concluded that Kanu is medically fit to stand trial.
Relying on the findings presented in the report and noting the absence of any objections from the lawyers of both parties, Justice Omotosho declared that the court was satisfied that the defendant could proceed with the trial.
The judge subsequently granted Kanu six consecutive days, beginning from October 23, to open and conclude his defence.
Justice Omotosho also approved an oral application by defence counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), requesting that Kanu’s legal team be allowed to have a private consultation with the defendant outside the premises of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Agabi informed the court that the defence team feared its discussions with the defendant could be monitored or recorded by the DSS.
Justice Omotosho granted the request and directed that the private meeting be held inside the courtroom, with only Kanu and his lawyers present.
According to the court’s directive, the private consultation will take place in the courtroom between 9 a.m. and 12 noon on October 22, while the trial will resume on October 23.
