A team of medical experts appointed by the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has confirmed that the health issue raised by detained self-proclaimed leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is not life-threatening.
The medical panel was instructed by Justice James Omotosho during Kanu’s terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja to assess the defendant’s actual health condition, following conflicting reports from medical professionals on both sides.
In a report submitted to the court on October 13 by the prosecution team led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), it was stated that Kanu’s condition is not life-threatening, and he is fit to proceed with the trial.
After reviewing the report and with no objections from the lawyers representing the parties, Justice Omotosho ruled that Kanu could continue with the trial.
The judge granted Kanu’s legal team six consecutive days, starting from October 23, to prepare and present his defense.
In response to a request by defence lawyer Kanu Agabi (SAN), the court allowed the defendant’s legal team to have a private consultation with Kanu outside the Department of State Services (DSS) premises, citing concerns about surveillance or recording.
Agabi requested that the private meeting be held in the courtroom, with only Kanu and his lawyers present.
The court approved the request, and the private consultation will take place between 9 a.m. and 12 noon on October 22, after which the trial will resume on October 23.
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