The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) panel has submitted a report to the Federal High Court in Abuja, concluding that the ailment complained of by Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is “not life-threatening” and that he is fit to stand trial.
Justice James Omotosho had ordered the NMA to constitute the panel to ascertain Kanu’s actual health status, following conflicting medical reports from experts engaged by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the defence team.
Court Decisions and Next Steps
Based on the panel’s report, which was read in open court, and in the absence of any objection from parties’ lawyers, Justice Omotosho ruled that:
- Trial to Proceed: The court was convinced that the defendant could proceed with the trial.
- Defence Window: Kanu was granted six consecutive days, beginning on October 23, to open and close his defence.
- Private Consultation: The judge also granted an application by the defence lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN), for a private consultation opportunity with Kanu outside the premises of the DSS. To ensure the consultation is not compromised, the court granted the request for the private meeting to be held within the courtroom, with only the defendant and his lawyers present, between 9 a.m. and 12 noon on October 22.
