By Abiola Olawale
The ongoing trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has taken another turn following the submission of a critical medical report by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
The expert panel constituted by the NMA President, in compliance with a Federal High Court order, has concluded that while Kanu has certain medical conditions, his ailment is not life-threatening, and he remains medically fit to stand trial.
The independent medical assessment was commissioned by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja to resolve conflicting claims between Kanu’s legal team, who argued his health was rapidly deteriorating and required urgent transfer to the National Hospital, and the Federal Government’s prosecution counsel, who maintained his health could be managed in the Department of State Services (DSS) facility.
The panel’s report, which was submitted to the court on October 13, by the prosecution team led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) and partly read in open court during Thursday’s proceedings, the medical body stated that the defendant’s ailment does not pose any immediate danger to his life and confirmed that he is fit to stand trial.
Relying on the medical findings and in the absence of any objection from counsel to the parties, Justice Omotosho ruled that the court was satisfied that the defendant could proceed with his trial.
The judge consequently granted Kanu six consecutive days, beginning from October 23, to open and close his defence.
Additionally, Justice Omotosho granted an oral application by Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), seeking permission for a private consultation between the defendant and his legal team outside the Department of State Services premises.
Agabi had argued that the defence team feared their discussions with Kanu might be monitored or recorded by the DSS.
The court therefore approved that the private meeting be held within the courtroom, with only Kanu and his lawyers present. The consultation is scheduled to take place between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon on October 22, ahead of the trial’s resumption on October 23.
