By Deborah Nnamdi
A team of medical experts appointed by the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has concluded that the health condition of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is not life-threatening.
The medical panel was set up on the directive of Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to independently verify Kanu’s health status following conflicting medical reports presented by both the prosecution and defence teams.
According to the panel’s report, which was submitted to the court on October 13 by the prosecution team led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), Kanu’s condition does not prevent him from facing trial. Portions of the report were read in open court during Thursday’s proceedings.
Justice Omotosho, relying on the findings and noting no objections from either party, ruled that the defendant was medically fit to continue with his terrorism trial.
The court subsequently fixed six consecutive days, beginning from October 23, for Kanu to open and close his defence.
Meanwhile, Justice Omotosho granted an oral application by Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), requesting a private consultation between the defendant and his legal team outside the monitoring of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Agabi had expressed concerns that previous meetings might have been recorded by the DSS. The judge approved that the private session be held in the courtroom on October 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, with only Kanu and his lawyers present.
The court adjourned the matter to October 23 for the continuation of trial.
