JUST IN: Kanu fit for trial, ailment not life-threatening – NMA

On Thursday, the Nigerian Medical Association notified the Federal High Court in Abuja that the health condition of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, is not life-threatening.

The medical panel established by the NMA President reported that it has completed the health evaluation mandated by the court regarding the IPOB leader and determined that Kanu is fit to stand trial.

Approximately two weeks prior, the trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, instructed the association to conduct an independent assessment of Kanu’s health status due to conflicting medical reports submitted by both the defense and the prosecution.

Kanu is currently facing prosecution by the Federal Government on charges related to alleged terrorism.

According to the panel’s report, which was presented to the court on October 13 by the prosecution team led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) and partially read in open court during Thursday’s proceedings, the medical body indicated that the defendant’s illness does not present any immediate threat to his life and confirmed that he is fit to stand trial.

Based on the medical findings and in the absence of any objections from the counsel representing the parties, Justice Omotosho ruled that the court was satisfied that the defendant could continue with his trial.

The judge subsequently granted Kanu six consecutive days, starting from October 23, to present and conclude his defence.

Furthermore, Justice Omotosho approved an oral request made by Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), for permission to conduct a private consultation between the defendant and his legal team outside the premises of the Department of State Services.

Agabi contended that the defence team was concerned that their discussions with Kanu could be monitored or recorded by the DSS.

Consequently, the court sanctioned that the private meeting occur within the courtroom, allowing only Kanu and his attorneys to be present. This consultation is set to take place from 9 am to 12 noon on October 22, prior to the trial resuming on October 23.

Details to follow…