The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that the health condition of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is not life-threatening and that he is medically fit to stand trial.
The update came on Thursday following the submission of a medical report prepared by a panel commissioned by the NMA President to independently assess Kanu’s health, as directed by the court.
Two weeks earlier, Justice James Omotosho had ordered the medical evaluation after receiving conflicting health reports from the prosecution and the defence.
Kanu, who is facing terrorism-related charges filed by the Federal Government, has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to the NMA’s report, submitted to the court on October 13 by the prosecution team led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), Kanu’s ailment “does not pose any immediate threat to his life” and he is “fit to stand trial.”
After reading portions of the report in open court and noting that neither party objected to its findings, Justice Omotosho ruled that the court was satisfied with the medical conclusion and that Kanu could proceed with his defence.
The judge subsequently scheduled six consecutive trial days — beginning October 23 — for Kanu to open and close his defence.
In a related development, the court granted an oral application by Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), seeking approval for a private meeting between the defendant and his legal team outside the DSS facility.
Agabi argued that the defence feared their discussions within the DSS premises might be monitored.
Justice Omotosho approved that the private consultation be held **inside the courtroom — with only Kanu and his lawyers present — from **9 a.m. to 12 noon on October 22, a day before the trial resumes.
