Court Confirms Nnamdi Kanu Medically Fit to Stand Trial, Says NMA Report

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has declared that the health condition of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is not life-threatening and that he is fit to continue his trial.

This disclosure was made during Thursday’s court proceedings following a medical evaluation ordered by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Earlier, on September 26, Justice Omotosho had directed the NMA president to set up a panel of experts to assess Kanu’s health.

The order followed an application by Kanu’s legal team requesting his transfer from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to the National Hospital in Abuja for medical treatment.

The IPOB leader had claimed that his health had worsened in detention, citing medical findings of pancreatic and liver complications, a lump under his armpit, and dangerously low potassium levels.

However, the prosecution opposed the request, arguing that Kanu was receiving proper medical care under the DSS.

At Thursday’s sitting, the prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), informed the court that the medical report was completed, submitted on October 13, and served on the defence team.

Kanu’s lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN), confirmed receipt of the report.

Reading the findings in open court, Justice Omotosho said the NMA panel concluded that Kanu is medically fit to stand trial.

“Based on the report before the court and the absence of any objection from both parties, the court is satisfied that the defendant is fit to proceed with trial,” the judge ruled.

Justice Omotosho further announced that six consecutive dates would be fixed for Kanu to open and close his defence.

However, Agabi requested that the court allow the defence team to hold a private session with Kanu outside the DSS facility, expressing concern that discussions could be monitored.

Granting the request, Justice Omotosho said a day would be set aside for the defendant to meet privately with his lawyers in court. He subsequently fixed Wednesday, October 22, between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., for the meeting. The trial of the IPOB leader is expected to resume afterward, as the court moves to conclude the long-running case.