Nnamdi Kanu appears in court as medical report confirms his health is stable and not life-threatening.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that the health condition of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is not life-threatening, clearing the way for his trial to continue.
A medical panel established by the NMA President conducted an independent evaluation of Kanu’s health, as directed by the court, and concluded that he is fit to stand trial.
The development follows an earlier order by Justice James Omotosho, who tasked the association with assessing Kanu’s medical condition after conflicting reports were presented by the prosecution and the defence teams.
The NMA’s findings, submitted to the court on October 13 and partly read during Thursday’s proceedings by the prosecution counsel Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), stated that while Kanu has an existing ailment, it does not pose an immediate risk to his life.
Following the submission and without objection from either party, Justice Omotosho ruled that the court was satisfied with the findings and that the defendant could proceed with his trial.
The court granted Kanu six consecutive days, starting October 23, to open and conclude his defence.
In a related ruling, the judge also approved an oral application by Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), allowing for a private consultation between Kanu and his legal team outside the Department of State Services (DSS) premises.
Agabi had raised concerns that previous meetings at the DSS facility might have been monitored or recorded. The court ruled that the private consultation would take place inside the courtroom on October 22, between 9 a.m. and 12 noon, ahead of the resumption of the trial the next day.
Kanu is currently facing terrorism-related charges brought by the Federal Government, a case that has drawn significant national and international attention.
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