The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is medically fit to stand trial.
The association said its independent medical evaluation showed that Kanu’s health condition is not life-threatening and does not require his transfer from the Department of State Services (DSS) custody to the National Hospital, Abuja.
This confirmation followed an earlier court directive mandating the NMA to examine the IPOB leader’s health and submit a detailed report to the court.
Court directive followed expert medical panel’s review
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had on September 26 ordered the NMA President to set up a medical panel to assess Kanu’s health status.
The ruling came after Kanu’s legal team filed an application requesting that their client be moved to the National Hospital over alleged poor medical care at the DSS facility.
According to court documents, the medical team carried out a comprehensive evaluation as instructed and later submitted its findings to the court.
The panel’s report indicated that while Kanu requires ongoing medical supervision, his condition is stable and does not pose an immediate risk to his life or ability to face trial.
NMA’s report clears way for continuation of case
With the NMA’s findings now before the court, Justice Omotosho is expected to rule on the next steps in the ongoing proceedings.
The decision effectively dismisses concerns raised by Kanu’s lawyers that his health had deteriorated beyond what the DSS medical unit could handle.
Kanu has been in DSS custody since his re-arrest in 2021, facing charges bordering on treasonable felony and terrorism.
The latest medical report now paves the way for his trial to proceed, pending any new evidence or developments presented by his legal team.
