Olayiwola Matthew
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) says Nnamdi Kanu’s health condition does not appear life-threatening.
In a ruling on September 26, Justice James Omotosho, presiding judge, had issued an order directing the president of the NMA to constitute an investigative panel to ascertain the defendant’s health status.
Omotosho gave the directive while ruling on an application seeking to move Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), from the Department of State Services (DSS) custody to the National Hospital in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for treatment.
The IPOB leader had claimed that his health had deteriorated in detention, citing medical reports that revealed liver and pancreatic complications, a lump under his armpit, and dangerously low potassium levels.
However, the prosecution opposed the application, insisting that the federal government had provided Kanu with adequate medical care in detention.
At the court session on Thursday, prosecution counsel Adegboyega Awomolo said the report had been received and filed in court on October 13, and it had also been served on the defence.
Kanu Agabi, counsel to the defendant, confirmed that they had been duly served.
In the report read in open court, the NMA panel concluded that Kanu is fit to stand trial.
Based on the information contained in the report and in the absence of any objection from both parties, Justice Omotosho ruled that the court was satisfied the defendant could proceed with the trial.
The judge said he would give six consecutive dates for the defendant to open and close his defence.
Agabi, however, urged the court to fix a date for the defendant to be brought before it so that the defence team could interview him, expressing concern that the DSS might eavesdrop if the meeting were held at its facility.
Omotosho granted the request, stating that he would set aside a day for the defendant and his lawyers to confer privately in court.
He then fixed Wednesday, October 22, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., for the meeting.