NMA Panel Clears Nnamdi Kanu, Declares Him ‘Fit to Stand Trial’ Despite Ailment Claims

The team empanelled by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has delivered a critical report to the Federal High Court in Abuja, concluding that the ailment complained of by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is not life-threatening and that he is fit to stand trial.

Dependable NG reports that the medical team was constituted by Justice James Omotosho midway through Kanu’s terrorism trial following conflicting health claims from medical experts representing both the prosecution and the defence teams.

Part of the NMA panel’s report, which was submitted to the court on October 13 by the prosecution team led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) and read in open court during Thursday’s proceedings, confirmed the non-life-threatening nature of Kanu’s condition.

Based on this medical opinion, and without any objection from the lawyers of the involved parties, Justice Omotosho declared the court convinced that Nnamdi Kanu can proceed with the trial.

Subsequently, the judge granted the defendant six consecutive days, beginning from October 23, to open and close his defence. Furthermore, the court granted an oral application by defence lawyer Kanu Agabi (SAN) for a private consultation opportunity with the defendant outside the Department of State Services (DSS) premises, which the legal team feared could be tapped or recorded.

Justice Omotosho acceded to the request, directing that the private meeting between Kanu and his legal team be held within the courtroom between 9 a.m. and 12 noon on October 22. The trial will formally resume the following day, October 23.