ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) panel constituted by its President has informed the Federal High Court, Abuja, that the ailment complained of by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is not life-threatening.
The disclosure was made on Thursday during proceedings before Justice James Omotosho, who had earlier directed the NMA to independently assess Kanu’s health status following conflicting medical reports presented by experts engaged by both the Department of State Services (DSS) and the defence team.
In its report submitted to the court on October 13 by the prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), and partly read in open court, the panel stated: “The defendant’s ailment is not life-threatening.”
The medical panel further concluded that Kanu is fit to stand trial.
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Relying on the report and noting that there was no objection from any of the parties, Justice Omotosho ruled that the court was convinced that Kanu could proceed with his trial.
Consequently, the judge granted the IPOB leader six consecutive days, beginning from October 23, to open and close his defence.
Additionally, the court granted an oral application made by Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), seeking a private consultation between the defendant and his legal team outside the DSS premises.
Agabi told the court that the defence team feared its discussions with Kanu might be tapped or recorded by the DSS, hence the need for a secure meeting venue.
Justice Omotosho granted the request and ordered that the private meeting be held in the courtroom, with only the defendant and his lawyers present.
By the court’s directive, the private consultation will take place on October 22, between 9 a.m. and 12 noon, while the trial resumes on October 23.