• The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that Nnamdi Kanu is fit to continue his trial after an independent medical panel found that his health condition is not life-threatening.
• The update followed weeks of medical assessment ordered by the trial judge, James Omotosho, after conflicting claims from the DSS and Kanu’s private doctors about his health status
• Presenting the findings, the prosecution team informed the court that the IPOB leader’s condition could be managed adequately within the DSS medical facility

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering public affairs and governance in Nigeria.

FCT, Abuja – A court-ordered medical panel has declared the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, fit to continue facing his ongoing terrorism trial.

Legit.ng recalls that Kanu’s lawyers had said their client’s health took a worrisome decline recently, necessitating the invitation of doctors for the purpose of carrying out a thorough examination of the 58-year-old.

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Kanu’s lead lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN), said in September:

“The examination revealed issues with his health, including organs such as his pancreas and liver, as well as an emerging lump underneath his armpit and dangerously low levels of potassium.

“The doctors have recommended that he be moved to the National Hospital as an interim measure to afford him medical attention and forestall further decline.

“The applicant’s health is seriously deteriorating considering the nature of his confinement, thereby making more pressing the need to bring this application and have the same heard by a vacation judge.”

However, as reported by The Nation on Thursday, October 16, the team constituted by the president of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) based on the order of the Federal High Court in Abuja said Kanu’s ailment is not life-threatening.

Per Premium Times, the NMA submitted its report to the court on Monday, October 13.

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Part of the report was read in open court during proceedings on Thursday, October 16, after the prosecution led by Adegboyega Awomolo, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), made reference to it.

Based on the information contained in the NMA’s report and in the absence of any objection from lawyers to parties in the matter, Justice James Omotosho said the court was convinced that the defendant could proceed with the trial.

Justice Omotosho subsequently granted the defendant six consecutive days, beginning from Thursday, October 23, to open and close his defence.

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Tinubu asked to free Nnamdi Kanu

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the president general of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Azuta Mbata, called on President Bola Tinubu and the federal government to release Kanu.

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation leader argued that the IPOB leader has stayed in detention for too long.

Source: Legit.ng