Nnamdi Kanu medically fit to stand trial, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) tells court
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has reported that the health condition of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is not life-threatening.
The update follows a directive issued on September 26 by Justice James Omotosho, who ordered the NMA president to form a medical panel to assess Kanu’s health. The order was made after Kanu’s legal team sought permission to transfer him from the Department of State Services (DSS) facility to the National Hospital in Abuja for treatment.
Kanu had alleged that his condition had worsened in custody, citing medical concerns including liver and pancreatic issues, a lump under his armpit, and critically low potassium levels. The prosecution, however, maintained that the DSS had provided adequate medical attention.
During Thursday’s court session, prosecution counsel Adegboyega Awomolo informed the court that the NMA’s findings were submitted on October 13 and served on the defence. Kanu’s lawyer, Kanu Agabi, confirmed receipt of the report.
Reading the findings in open court, the NMA panel concluded that Kanu is fit to stand trial. With no objections raised by either side, Justice Omotosho ruled that the trial should proceed, stating he was satisfied with the medical conclusions.
The judge announced plans to allocate six consecutive hearing dates for Kanu to present and conclude his defence.
Agabi further requested that the court make provisions for a private consultation between Kanu and his legal team, expressing concern that any meeting held at DSS custody could be monitored. Justice Omotosho agreed and designated Wednesday, October 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., for the defence team to meet privately with Kanu in court.
