A team of medical experts appointed by the Federal High Court to assess the health condition of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has submitted its findings.
Led by the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the team reported that while Kanu is ill, his condition is not life-threatening. The panel concluded that he is medically fit to stand trial.
The court-ordered medical evaluation was initiated by Justice James Omotosho, following conflicting health reports submitted by medical professionals representing both the prosecution and defence.
The panel’s report, presented to the court on October 13 by lead prosecutor Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), was partially read aloud during court proceedings on Thursday. It confirmed that Kanu’s ailment does not prevent him from facing trial.
With no objections from either legal team, Justice Omotosho ruled that the trial should proceed. He subsequently granted the defence six consecutive days—beginning October 23—to open and conclude its case.
Additionally, the judge approved an oral application from Kanu’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), requesting that the defence team be allowed to consult privately with the defendant outside the Department of State Services (DSS) premises. Agabi expressed concerns that discussions with his client might be monitored or recorded by the DSS.
Justice Omotosho granted the request, allowing a private consultation to take place in the courtroom on October 22, between 9 a.m. and 12 noon. Only Kanu and his legal team will be present during this meeting.
The trial will resume on October 23.
