Nnamdi Kanu’s Health Not Life-Threatening, Fit for Trial — NMA

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) panel appointed by its president has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that the ailment of Nnamdi Kanu, detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is not life-threatening.

The report was presented on Thursday during proceedings before Justice James Omotosho, who had earlier directed the NMA to evaluate Kanu’s health status following conflicting medical reports from experts engaged by the Department of State Services (DSS) and Kanu’s defence team.

According to the report, submitted to the court on October 13 by the prosecution team led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), “the defendant’s ailment is not life-threatening.”

The panel also concluded that Kanu is fit to stand trial, a finding that went unchallenged by either party in court.

Satisfied with the report, Justice Omotosho ruled that the trial could proceed and granted Kanu six consecutive days, beginning October 23, to open and close his defence.

The judge also approved an oral application by defence counsel Kanu Agabi (SAN) for Kanu’s legal team to privately consult with him outside DSS supervision, citing fears that their discussions might be recorded.

Justice Omotosho directed that the private consultation be held in the courtroom on October 22, between 9 a.m. and 12 noon, with only Kanu and his lawyers present. The trial is scheduled to resume on October 23.

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