NMA Panel Declares Nnamdi Kanu Fit for Trial, Says Ailment Not Life-Threatening

The medical panel led by the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has concluded that the health condition of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is not life-threatening.

The panel’s findings were submitted to the Federal High Court, Abuja, in compliance with an earlier order by Justice James Omotosho, who had directed the team to independently verify Kanu’s health status following conflicting medical reports from both the prosecution and the defence.

In its report, submitted on October 13 by the prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), the medical experts affirmed that Kanu is medically fit to stand trial.

“The defendant’s ailment is not life-threatening,” the panel stated, according to excerpts of the report read in open court during Thursday’s proceedings.

Court Rules Kanu Fit to Face Trial

Following the medical team’s report and with no objection from either party, Justice Omotosho ruled that the court was satisfied with the findings and that Kanu was well enough to proceed with his trial.

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The judge subsequently scheduled six consecutive days from October 23 to 28, for Kanu to open and close his defence.

“The court is convinced by the medical report and directs that the defendant proceed with his defence,” Justice Omotosho said.

Meanwhile, Kanu’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), raised concerns that his client’s discussions with his legal team within the Department of State Services (DSS) facility might be monitored or recorded.

Agabi, therefore, applied for permission to hold a private consultation session with the IPOB leader outside the DSS premises.

Justice Omotosho granted the application, directing that the private meeting be held in the courtroom between 9 a.m. and 12 noon on October 22, with only Kanu and his lawyers present.

“The legal team will have an unhindered private consultation with the defendant in court before the trial resumes,” the judge ruled.

Trial Resumes October 23

With the court’s approval, Kanu’s trial will resume on October 23, marking the beginning of the six-day period granted to him to present his defence.

The proceedings are expected to address the core allegations against the IPOB leader, who faces charges bordering on treasonable felony and possession of illegal firearms, among others.

Justice Omotosho reaffirmed the court’s commitment to ensuring fairness, saying that the defendant’s health and legal rights remain protected as the trial continues.