The trial of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, was stalled Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja after the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) failed to submit its court-ordered medical report on the defendant’s health status.
​Justice James Omotosho subsequently adjourned the matter until October 16 to allow the medical body more time to conclude its findings and present the report.
​The court had previously mandated the NMA President to constitute an independent board of medical experts to assess Kanu’s alleged deteriorating health. The report is crucial as it is expected to determine three things: whether Kanu is fit to continue standing trial on terrorism charges; whether the Department of State Services (DSS) detention facility can adequately manage his health issues; and whether he should be transferred to the National Hospital for treatment, as requested by the defence team.
​NMA ‘Not Yet Ready’Â
​The inability of the NMA to present the assessment was confirmed by the Federal Government’s counsel, Suraj S’aad (SAN), during the proceedings.
​Mr. S’aad informed the court that the medical board had contacted the prosecution team, stating that the report was “not yet ready for submission, as directed by the court.” He then applied for a one-week adjournment.
​Kanu’s legal team, led by Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), raised no objection to the request.
​The order for an independent assessment followed conflicting reports presented to the court, with the DSS medical team maintaining that Kanu’s condition was manageable in their facility, while his private consultants, including Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji, insisted his health required urgent and specialized care outside of DSS custody.
