The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) team tasked by the association’s President has concluded that the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu’s ailment isn’t life-threatening, contradicting his claims of a life-threatening condition that led to his application for transfer to the National Hospital, Abuja, for comprehensive medical attention.
Recall that Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered a medical evaluation of Nnamdi Kanu, directing a medical team to assess his health status amid conflicting expert opinions from both the prosecution and defense teams in Kanu’s ongoing terrorism trial.
The medical panel’s report, submitted to court on October 13 by lead prosecutor Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), concluded that Nnamdi Kanu’s ailment is not life-threatening. The report was partially read out in open court during the proceedings. The team concluded that Kanu is fit to stand trial.
Based on the information contained in the report and in the absence of any objection from lawyers to parties, Justice Omotosho said the court was convinced that the defendant could proceed with the trial. Justice Omotosho subsequently granted the defendant six consecutive days, beginning from October 23, to open and close his defence.
The judge granted an oral application by defence lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN) that Kanu’s legal team be granted private consultation opportunity with the defendant, outside the premises of the Department of State Services (DSS). Agabi said the defendant’s legal team was afraid that its consultation with him (Kanu) could be tapped or recorded by the DSS.
Justice Omotosho also acceded to Agabi’s request that the private meeting with Kanu be held in the courtroom, during which only the defendant and his lawyers would be present. By the court’s directive, the private consultation meeting will hold within the courtroom between 9am and 12noon on October 22, while the trial will resume on October 23.
