— Court Grants IPOB Leader Six Days to Open Defence, Approves Private Meeting with Lawyers
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 stand trial, dismissing claims that he is suffering from a life-threatening illness.
The finding was contained in a medical report submitted to the Federal High Court in Abuja by a panel of doctors constituted by the NMA President, following a directive from Justice James Omotosho, who ordered an independent medical assessment amid conflicting health reports from the prosecution and defence teams.
According to the report, presented to the court on October 13 by the prosecution led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), Kanu’s condition was found to be “not life-threatening,” and he was deemed fit to continue standing trial.
Ruling on Thursday, Justice Omotosho said he was satisfied with the findings of the NMA’s medical panel and, having received no objection from either party, directed that the trial proceed.
The court subsequently granted six consecutive days from October 23 for Kanu to open and close his defence in the ongoing terrorism case.
Additionally, Justice Omotosho approved an oral application by defence counsel Kanu Agabi (SAN) for a private consultation between the IPOB leader and his legal team, outside the Department of State Services (DSS) facility.
Agabi had expressed concerns that discussions with his client could be tapped or recorded by the DSS.
In response, the court ruled that the private meeting be held within the courtroom between 9 a.m. and 12 noon on October 22, with only Kanu and his lawyers present.
The trial is expected to resume the following day, October 23, when Kanu will begin his defence.
