In a new development, a medical team from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has declared that the health condition of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is not life-threatening, affirming that he is fit to stand trial.
The independent medical assessment was ordered by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, following conflicting health reports presented by medical experts engaged separately by the prosecution and the defence.
According to the NMA’s report, which was submitted to the court on October 13 by the prosecution team led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) and partially read in open court during Thursday’s proceedings, Kanu’s ailment “is not life-threatening,” and his current condition “does not prevent him from standing trial.”
Satisfied with the findings and noting that neither side raised any objection, Justice Omotosho ruled that the defendant was medically fit to proceed with the ongoing case.
The judge then scheduled six consecutive hearing days, beginning October 23, for Kanu to open and close his defence.
In a significant concession, Justice Omotosho also granted an oral application by Kanu’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), allowing the defence team to hold a private consultation with the defendant outside the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Agabi had expressed concern that discussions between Kanu and his legal team could be monitored or recorded within DSS facilities.
Granting the request, the court directed that the private meeting be held inside the courtroom on October 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, with only Kanu and his lawyers present.
The trial is expected to resume on October 23, marking a critical stage in the long-running case involving the IPOB leader, who has been in custody since his extradition to Nigeria in 2021.
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