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By Oscar Okhifo
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has declared that the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is medically fit to stand trial, saying his ailment is not life-threatening.
The report, submitted to the Federal High Court in Abuja on October 13, followed an earlier directive by Justice James Omotosho that a team of medical experts from the NMA should examine Kanu to ascertain his state of health.
In its findings, the NMA panel said the medical condition complained about by Kanu “is not life-threatening” and therefore does not prevent him from standing trial.
At Thursday’s sitting, both the prosecution and defence teams did not oppose the report, prompting Justice Omotosho to adopt it as the position of the court.
Consequently, the judge ruled that Kanu is fit to proceed with his defence in the ongoing treasonable felony case instituted against him by the Federal Government.
The court thereafter fixed six consecutive days, beginning October 23, for Kanu to open and close his defence.
Earlier, Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), had requested a private meeting with his client outside the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), citing lack of privacy during consultations.
Justice Omotosho granted the request but directed that the meeting should take place within the courtroom under limited access, restricting attendance to Kanu and his legal team only.
The court fixed October 22, between 9 a.m. and 12 noon, for the private consultation.
The IPOB leader has been in DSS custody since his re-arrest in 2021 and is facing charges bordering on treasonable felony, incitement, and unlawful possession of firearms.