A medical panel empanelled 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, clearing the way for his trial to proceed.
The expert evaluation, submitted to the Federal High Court in Abuja, followed a directive by Justice James Omotosho amid Nnamdi Kanu’s ongoing terrorism trial. The panel was mandated to verify the true state of Kanu’s health after conflicting medical reports were presented by both the prosecution and defence.
Medical Report Clears Nnamdi Kanu to Stand Trial
The panel’s findings were submitted to the court on October 13 by the prosecution team led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN). Portions of the report were read in open court during Thursday’s proceedings, affirming that Kanu’s medical condition is not life-threatening and that he is fit to stand trial.
Justice Omotosho, satisfied with the medical evaluation and with no objections raised by either party, ruled that the trial will resume. The court subsequently granted Kanu six consecutive days—starting from October 23—to open and conclude his defence.
Court Grants Private Legal Access Outside DSS Premises
In a related development, the court approved a request by defence counsel Kanu Agabi (SAN) for private consultation access to the defendant outside the premises of the Department of State Services (DSS). Agabi had raised concerns about the possibility of DSS surveillance during meetings between Kanu and his legal team.
Justice Omotosho agreed that the defence should be granted access to Kanu within the courtroom, with only the defendant and his lawyers present, ensuring a confidential environment.
