NMA panel tells court Nnamdi Kanu’s ailment not life-threatening
Court receives medical panel report on IPOB leader’s health
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) panel constituted by its president has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that the ailment complained of by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is not life-threatening.
This was disclosed during court proceedings on Thursday, where part of the panel’s medical report was read in open court. The report was submitted on October 13 to the prosecution team led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN).
Justice James Omotosho had earlier directed the NMA to set up a neutral panel to assess Kanu’s health following conflicting medical reports presented by experts engaged separately by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the defence team.
Panel confirms Kanu fit to stand trial
The panel’s findings concluded that Nnamdi Kanu’s condition is not life-threatening and that the defendant is medically fit to stand trial. This finding addressed long-standing concerns over the IPOB leader’s health, which has been the subject of multiple legal applications by his defence team.
Justice Omotosho noted that since there was no objection from either party, the court was satisfied with the medical evaluation and saw no reason to delay further proceedings. He ruled that the trial would continue as scheduled.
Court grants six days for defence presentation
Following the court’s ruling, Justice Omotosho granted Kanu and his legal team six consecutive days, beginning from October 23, to open and close their defence.
This decision comes amid heightened legal and political interest surrounding the trial, which has drawn significant local and international attention due to the IPOB leader’s influence and the group’s separatist activities in the Southeast region.
Court approves private meeting for legal team
In a related development, the court also granted an oral application by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), counsel to the defendant, for Kanu’s legal team to hold a private consultation with him outside the DSS premises.
Agabi argued that the defence team was concerned that its meetings with Kanu could be monitored or recorded by security operatives. In response, Justice Omotosho ordered that the private consultation be held inside the courtroom, ensuring confidentiality.
According to the judge, the meeting will take place between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon on October 22, a day before the trial is set to resume.
Background of the health dispute
The court’s directive to the NMA came after conflicting medical reports complicated earlier proceedings. While the DSS medical team claimed that Kanu’s health was stable, his personal doctors insisted he required urgent external medical attention.
The NMA panel was appointed to provide an independent and professional assessment of his health status. Its conclusion that the ailment is not life-threatening removes one of the key legal roadblocks that had stalled the trial.
Trial set to continue on October 23
Justice Omotosho reiterated that the trial would resume on October 23 and that both parties must be fully prepared to proceed without further delays. He emphasized that the court’s decision is guided by the medical report, legal procedures, and the defendant’s right to a fair hearing.
Reactions and wider implications
The health of Nnamdi Kanu has been a recurring issue in the legal proceedings, with supporters frequently alleging that his detention conditions have worsened his health. The federal government has consistently maintained that he is receiving adequate medical care while in DSS custody.
Legal observers say the NMA panel’s findings may accelerate the legal process and reduce health-related adjournments in the coming months. Human rights groups have also urged the government and judiciary to ensure the trial remains transparent and fair.
Next steps in the case
With the medical issue now addressed, the trial is expected to focus squarely on the criminal charges against Kanu. Both the prosecution and defence are expected to present witnesses and arguments during the six-day trial window.
The private legal consultation granted to the defence team is expected to enable them to strategize effectively ahead of their presentation, which begins on October 23.
