Nnamdi Kanu Fit to Face Trial — NMA Tells Court
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 and does not prevent him from standing trial.
A medical panel constituted by the NMA President concluded its independent health assessment of Kanu, as ordered by the court, and submitted its report on October 13.
The evaluation followed a directive by trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, who asked the association to assess Kanu’s medical condition after conflicting reports were presented by the prosecution and defence teams.
According to the report, which was partly read in open court during Thursday’s proceedings, the panel confirmed that Kanu’s ailment poses no immediate danger to his life and that he is medically fit to continue with his trial.
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Relying on the panel’s findings, and with no objection from either party, Justice Omotosho ruled that the court was satisfied with the medical report and directed that the trial should proceed.
The judge subsequently granted Kanu six consecutive days—beginning October 23—to open and conclude his defence in the terrorism-related charges filed against him by the Federal Government.
Additionally, the court approved an oral application 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) facility.
Agabi had argued that the defence feared their discussions with Kanu might be monitored or recorded by the DSS.
Justice Omotosho ruled that the private meeting should take place within the courtroom between 9 a.m. and 12 noon on October 22, a day before the trial resumes.
By PRNigeria
