The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday adjourned the trial of the Indigenous People of Biafra leader, Nnamdi Kanu, to October 16, for the presentation of his health assessment report by the Nigerian Medical Association.
The presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, postponed the case after the NMA failed to finalize its evaluation of Kanu’s medical condition and submit its findings to the court.
Recall, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) carried out court-mandated health examinations on Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), following an order of the Federal High Court.
Justice James Omotosho instructed the NMA to establish a panel of medical professionals from different regions and fields to impartially examine Kanu’s health and determine whether he should remain in Department of State Services (DSS) custody or be moved to the National Hospital for treatment.
The NMA had reportedly concluded and transmitted its report to the office of the Attorney General as ordered by the court.
Counsel for the Department of State Services, Mr Suraj S’aad (SAN), told the court that the medical panel indicated its findings were not yet prepared for submission, contrary to the court’s directive.
Kanu is being prosecuted by the Federal Government on charges bordering on alleged terrorism.
At the previous session, Justice Omotosho directed the NMA President to appoint a medical board to look into Kanu’s alleged worsening health condition after both the defence and prosecution took opposing positions on his treatment.
While DSS counsel, Mr Awomolo Adegboyega (SAN), argued that Kanu’s health could be sufficiently treated at the DSS clinic, the defence lawyer, Mr Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), insisted his client’s condition was deteriorating and should be referred to the National Hospital for adequate medical care.
Justice Omotosho subsequently ordered the NMA to carry out an impartial health assessment to determine, among other issues, whether the DSS clinic could address Kanu’s medical needs or if a transfer to the National Hospital was necessary as the defence demanded.
The report is also to state if Kanu is in good condition to stand trial.
During Wednesday’s hearing, DSS counsel applied for a one-week postponement to enable the NMA medical panel complete its assessment.
With no opposition from the defence counsel, Justice Omotosho moved the matter to October 16 for the delivery of the medical report and for the court to decide the next course in the case.
“The court is adjourned to 16 October for the report of the Nigerian Medical Association,” Justice Omotosho ruled.
