A medical panel commissioned by the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has concluded that the health condition of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is not life-threatening and that he is fit to stand trial.
The panel was appointed following an order by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who sought an independent medical assessment after conflicting health reports were presented by the prosecution and defence.
According to the panel’s report, which was submitted to the court on 13 October by the prosecution team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Adegboyega Awomolo, the condition cited by Kanu does not pose any immediate danger to his life. Portions of the report were read aloud during proceedings on Thursday.
Having reviewed the report and noting that neither the prosecution nor the defence raised objections, Justice Omotosho ruled that the court was satisfied with the findings and determined that the defendant is medically fit to proceed with the ongoing terrorism trial.
In a significant development, the judge granted Nnamdi Kanu six consecutive days, starting from 23 October, to open and conclude his defence.
Furthermore, the court approved an oral application made by Kanu’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), requesting that the defendant be allowed to consult privately with his legal team outside the premises of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Agabi expressed concerns over the potential for DSS surveillance, stating that the defence team feared their conversations with Kanu might be monitored or recorded.
Justice Omotosho granted the request and directed that the private legal consultation take place inside the courtroom on 22 October, between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon. Only Kanu and his legal representatives will be permitted during the session.
The trial is scheduled to resume the following day, 23 October, when the defendant is expected to present his defence.
