The Nigerian Medical Association has told the Federal High Court that Nnamdi Kanu’s illness is not life-threatening, clearing the IPOB leader to stand trial on terrorism-related charges.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) on Thursday informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that the illness of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is not life-threatening.
A medical panel set up by the NMA President concluded the court-ordered health assessment and found Kanu fit to stand trial.
Two weeks earlier, Justice James Omotosho had directed the association to conduct an independent evaluation following conflicting medical reports submitted by the defence and prosecution.
According to the panel’s report, submitted to the court on October 13 by the prosecution team led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), Kanu’s ailment “does not pose any immediate danger to his life.” The judge, relying on the findings and without objection from either party, ruled that the trial would proceed.
Justice Omotosho granted Kanu six consecutive days, from October 23, to open and close his defence. He also approved an oral application by Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), allowing a private consultation between the IPOB leader and his lawyers in the courtroom on October 22, ahead of the trial’s resumption.