A medical panel set up by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has declared Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), medically fit to stand trial on terrorism-related charges.
The panel’s findings were presented to the Federal High Court in Abuja by the prosecution team led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN). Excerpts of the report, read in open court on Thursday, stated that the medical condition cited by Kanu was not life-threatening.
The assessment followed an order by Justice James Omotosho, who sought an independent evaluation after conflicting medical reports from Kanu’s personal doctor and the Department of State Services (DSS), under whose custody he remains.
Based on the NMA report, Justice Omotosho ruled that the trial would proceed and scheduled six consecutive hearing days from October 23 for Kanu to open and close his defence.
In a separate ruling, the judge granted the defence counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), permission for a private consultation with his client, citing concerns about alleged surveillance by DSS operatives during past meetings.
The court directed that the private meeting be held on October 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, inside the courtroom, with only Kanu and his legal team present. The trial will resume the following day.
