The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday adjourned the trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, to October 16, for the presentation of his medical examination report by the Nigerian Medical Association.
The trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, adjourned the matter due to the NMA’s inability to conclude its assessment of Kanu’s health status and present its findings before the court.
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Recall, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) conducted court-ordered health checks on Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), following a Federal High Court order.
Justice James Omotosho mandated that the NMA form a committee of medical experts from Nigeria’s diverse regions and specialities to independently assess Kanu’s health and determine if he should be moved from Department of State Services (DSS) custody to the National Hospital for treatment.
The NMA completed and submitted its report to the Attorney General’s office as directed by the court.
Counsel for the Department of State Services, Mr Suraj S’aad (SAN), informed the court that the medical board had communicated that its report was not yet ready for submission, as directed by the court.
Kanu is being prosecuted by the Federal Government on charges bordering on alleged terrorism.
At the last sitting, Justice Omotosho had directed the NMA President to constitute a medical panel to investigate Kanu’s alleged deteriorating health after the defence and prosecution presented opposing positions on his medical condition.
While DSS counsel, Mr Awomolo Adegboyega (SAN), maintained that Kanu’s health could be adequately managed at the DSS medical facility, the defence counsel, Mr Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), insisted that his client’s health was deteriorating and that he should be taken to the National Hospital for proper care.
Justice Omotosho subsequently ordered the NMA to conduct an independent medical examination to determine, among other things, whether the DSS medical facility could cater for Kanu’s needs or if he should be transferred to the National Hospital as requested by the defence.
The report is also expected to determine whether Kanu is fit to stand trial.
At Wednesday’s proceedings, the DSS counsel requested a one-week adjournment to allow the NMA medical board to conclude its investigation.
With no objection from the defence counsel, Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter to October 16 for the submission of the medical report and to determine the next steps in the proceedings.
“The court is adjourned to 16 October for the report of the Nigerian Medical Association,” Justice Omotosho ruled.
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