The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has officially declared the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, fit to stand trial, informing the Federal High Court in Abuja that his ailment is not life-threatening, Angel Network News (ANN) can confirm.
The medical panel, which was set up by the NMA President on the order of Justice James Omotosho, submitted its conclusive health assessment report to the court. The independent assessment was necessitated by persistent conflicting reports presented by the defence and the prosecution regarding the defendant’s medical fitness and required level of care.
According to the panel’s findings, which were partly read in the open court during Thursday’s proceedings, the medical body confirmed that Mr. Kanu’s condition “does not pose any immediate danger to his life”. The report subsequently certified him medically capable of facing the terrorism and treasonable felony charges brought by the Federal Government.
Justice Omotosho, satisfied with the medical evidence and noting the absence of any objection from counsel, ruled that the defendant could proceed with his trial.
In a related development, the court granted an oral application by Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), for a private consultation between the defendant and his legal team, to be held within the courtroom premises. The court approved the request, scheduling the private meeting for October 22, one day before the resumption of the trial on October 23.
