Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Biafra agitator, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, on terrorism charges to October 16.
The adjournment followed the inability of the Nigerian Medical Association to complete its assessment of Kanu’s health and submit its findings to the court.
At an earlier sitting, Justice Omotosho had directed the NMA President to set up a medical board to examine the defendant’s condition amid concerns raised about his deteriorating health.
The court wanted the assessment to determine whether the medical facilities at the Department of State Services headquarters were adequate to handle his case or if he should be transferred to the National Hospital as he had requested.
The report is also expected to clarify whether Kanu is medically fit to continue standing trial.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, counsel for the DSS, Suraj S’aad, SAN, informed the court that the medical board had indicated it was yet to finalize its report.
He asked for a week’s adjournment to give the doctors time to conclude their work. Kanu’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, did not oppose the request. Justice Omotosho therefore fixed October 16 for the NMA board to submit its report, after which the court will decide on the next phase of the case.
The case against Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, has been one of Nigeria’s most closely watched trials in recent years, touching on sensitive issues of national security, secessionist movements, and human rights.
His health has remained a recurring point of contention, with his legal team often arguing that his continued detention under the DSS poses risks to his wellbeing. The forthcoming report by the medical board is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the court’s decisions in the weeks ahead.
