Court-ordered medical panel declares Nnamdi Kanu fit for trial

A medical panel appointed by the Federal High Court to evaluate the health of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has concluded that his condition is not life-threatening and that he is fit to stand trial.

The team, led by the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), was constituted on the orders of Justice James Omotosho following conflicting medical reports from both the prosecution and defence sides. The panel’s findings were submitted to the court on October 13 through the prosecution, represented by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), with excerpts read during the court sitting on Thursday.

In the absence of any objections from legal representatives on either side, Justice Omotosho accepted the report and ruled that Kanu is well enough to proceed with his trial.

The court also approved an oral request by Kanu’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), for his legal team to hold a private consultation with the defendant outside the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), citing concerns about possible surveillance. Justice Omotosho granted that the meeting be held in the courtroom on October 22, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, with only Kanu and his lawyers present.

The trial is scheduled to resume on October 23, with the court granting Kanu six consecutive days to present and conclude his defence.