The Federal High Court in Abuja received confirmation on Thursday that detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu is medically fit to face terrorism charges, following an independent health assessment conducted by the Nigerian Medical Association.
The NMA-appointed medical panel, established under the directive of the association’s president, submitted its comprehensive health evaluation report to the court earlier this week on October 13. The assessment was presented to Justice James Omotosho by the prosecution team, headed by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN.
According to the medical report, which was partially read during Thursday’s court session, Kanu’s current health condition does not present any life-threatening concerns. The panel concluded that the IPOB leader is capable of participating in trial proceedings.
The independent medical evaluation was ordered by Justice Omotosho two weeks ago after the court received contradictory medical assessments from both the defence and prosecution teams regarding Kanu’s health status. The judge sought an impartial professional opinion from the NMA to resolve the conflicting reports.
With no objections raised by counsel representing either party, Justice Omotosho accepted the medical panel’s findings and ruled that the defendant is fit to proceed with his trial. The judge has allocated six consecutive days for Kanu to present and conclude his defence, with proceedings set to begin on October 23.
In a separate development, Justice Omotosho granted an oral application submitted by Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, requesting permission for confidential discussions between the defendant and his legal team away from Department of State Services facilities. Agabi expressed concerns that conversations held at DSS premises might be subject to surveillance or recording, potentially compromising attorney-client privilege.
The court approved the request but stipulated that the private consultation must take place within the courtroom premises, with only Kanu and his legal representatives present. The meeting has been scheduled for October 22 between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM, one day before trial proceedings resume.
The trial is scheduled to continue on October 23, when Kanu will have the opportunity to mount his defence against the terrorism-related charges brought against him by the federal government.
