The protracted legal proceedings involving the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, took a significant turn this week after the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) submitted a crucial report affirming that the pro-Biafra agitator is medically fit to continue with his terrorism trial. The NMA’s position was contained within the findings of a special medical team empanelled by the association’s President to conduct an independent assessment of Kanu’s health status.
This development follows an order issued by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who mandated the formation of a joint medical team to resolve conflicting claims presented by medical experts representing both the prosecution and the defense concerning Kanu’s alleged ailment.
The NMA’s final report, which was tendered to the court on October 13 by the prosecution team led by Adegboyega Awomolo, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), stated unequivocally that Kanu’s complaint is “not life threatening.” Based on this determination, the panel concluded that the defendant is physically and mentally fit to stand trial.
Justice Omotosho, convinced by the report’s findings and with no objection raised by the legal teams involved, ruled that the trial could proceed. The court subsequently granted the defense an allowance of six consecutive days, commencing on October 23, to present and conclude its case.
In a key concession to the defense’s concerns about the security of their communication, the judge granted an oral application by defense lawyer Kanu Agabi, SAN. Agabi had expressed fears that private consultations with his client at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility could be compromised or recorded. Consequently, Justice Omotosho acceded to the request, directing that a private consultation session be held within the courtroom premises on October 22, between 9 a.m. and 12 noon, ensuring only Kanu and his legal team are present. The formal resumption of the terrorism trial is scheduled for the following day, October 23.
