The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) on Thursday informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that the illness of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, is not life-threatening.
The medical panel appointed by the NMA president stated that it has completed the court-ordered health assessment of the IPOB leader and determined that Kanu is fit for trial.
Justice James Omotosho, the trial judge, instructed the association two weeks ago to independently analyze the IPOB leader’s health status in light of contradicting medical assessments provided by the defense and prosecution.
The IPOB leader is currently being prosecuted by the federal government on allegations of terrorism.
The prosecution team, led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), submitted a report to the court on October 13 stating that the defendant’s medical condition does not pose an immediate threat to his life and that he is fit to stand trial.
Justice Omotosho ruled based on the medical findings and the absence of any objections from counsel for the parties.
The judge granted the IPOB leader six days to open and close his defense, beginning October 23. Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), also requested permission for a private consultation between the defendant and his legal team outside the Department of State Services premises.
Agabi argued that the defense team feared their discussions with Kanu would be monitored or recorded.
Details later…
