The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) 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 medically fit to stand trial.
The confirmation followed a directive issued on September 26 by Justice James Omotosho, who ordered the NMA president to constitute a medical panel to evaluate Kanu’s health status.
Justice Omotosho had given the order while ruling on an application seeking Kanu’s transfer from the Department of State Services (DSS) custody to the National Hospital, Abuja, for medical treatment.
Kanu had earlier claimed that his health had worsened in detention, citing medical reports that indicated liver and pancreatic issues, a lump under his armpit, and critically low potassium levels.
However, the prosecution opposed the application, maintaining that the federal government had provided adequate medical care for the IPOB leader in detention.
At the resumed hearing on Thursday, prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, informed the court that the NMA report had been submitted and filed on October 13, and copies were served on the defence team.
Counsel to the defendant, Kanu Agabi, confirmed receipt of the report.
Reading the findings in open court, the NMA panel stated that Kanu is in good health and capable of standing trial.
Justice Omotosho, relying on the panel’s report and in the absence of any objection from both parties, ruled that the court was satisfied with Kanu’s medical condition and that the trial should proceed.
He announced that six consecutive dates would be set for the defendant to open and close his defence.
Agabi then requested that a date be fixed for a private meeting between Kanu and his legal team, expressing concerns that the DSS might eavesdrop if the meeting were held in their facility.
Granting the request, Justice Omotosho ruled that a special session would be scheduled for Kanu and his lawyers to confer privately in court.
The judge fixed Wednesday, October 22, between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., for the meeting.
