News
NMA Panel Confirms Nnamdi Kanu Fit for October 23 Trial
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) panel has confirmed that the health condition of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is not life-threatening and that he is fit to stand trial.
The report was presented before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, following an order by Justice James Omotosho directing the NMA to assess Kanu’s medical status. The order came after conflicting medical reports from experts engaged by both the Department of State Services (DSS) and the defence team.
According to the findings submitted to the court on October 13 by the prosecution counsel, led by Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, the NMA medical panel concluded that “the defendant’s ailment is not life-threatening.”
Justice Omotosho, relying on the report and with no objections from the parties involved, ruled that Kanu was fit to continue his trial.
The judge subsequently granted Kanu six consecutive days beginning from October 23 to open and close his defence.
Additionally, the court approved a request by Kanu’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi, SAN, allowing the defence team to hold a private consultation with the IPOB leader outside the DSS premises. Agabi expressed concerns that the team’s discussions could be recorded or monitored by security operatives.
Justice Omotosho directed that the private consultation be held inside the courtroom on October 22, between 9 a.m. and 12 noon, with only Kanu and his legal representatives present.
The trial will then resume on October 23, as scheduled.
