The panel set up by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to assess the health condition of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has told the Federal High Court in Abuja that his ailment is not life-threatening.
The panel was constituted by the NMA President following an order by Justice James Omotosho, who directed the association to conduct an independent medical evaluation after conflicting reports from medical experts engaged by both the Department of State Services (DSS) and Kanu’s defence team.
In its report, submitted to the court on October 13 by the prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), the NMA panel concluded that Kanu is medically fit to stand trial.
Relying on the report and noting the absence of objections from either side, Justice Omotosho ruled that the court was satisfied with the findings and directed that the trial proceed.
The judge subsequently granted Kanu six consecutive days, beginning October 23, to open and close his defence.
Additionally, Justice Omotosho approved an oral application by Kanu’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), allowing Kanu’s legal team to hold private consultations with their client outside the DSS premises. The defence had expressed concern that their discussions might be monitored or recorded by the security agency.
The judge ruled that the private meeting will take place in the courtroom, with only Kanu and his lawyers present, between 9 a.m. and 12 noon on October 22, while the trial will resume the following day, October 23.
(Source: NAN)
