…Says IPOB leader’s ailment not life-threatening as judge orders defence to open case
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has declared that the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is medically fit to face trial on terrorism-related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In its report submitted to the court on October 13, the NMA dismissed claims that Kanu is suffering from any life-threatening illness, affirming that his health condition does not prevent him from standing trial.
A portion of the medical report was read in open court on Thursday during resumed proceedings.
Following the submission, Justice James Omotosho ruled that Kanu’s trial could proceed, directing the IPOB leader to open his defence within six days, starting from October 23.
Meanwhile, the court granted an oral application by Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), to have a private consultation with his client outside the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Agabi had expressed concern that discussions held within the DSS facility might be monitored or recorded by the security agency.
In a brief ruling, Justice Omotosho permitted Kanu’s legal team to hold a private meeting with him inside the courtroom on October 22, between 9 a.m. and 12 noon.
It will be recalled that on September 26, the court directed the NMA, as the umbrella body of medical practitioners in Nigeria, to constitute a panel of experts to examine Kanu’s health status following conflicting reports from his personal doctors and the DSS.
With the NMA’s confirmation that Kanu is fit, the stage is now set for the IPOB leader to open his defence to the seven-count terrorism charge preferred against him by the Federal Government.
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