Nnamdi Kanu (middle, dressed in white Fendi) in court | File photo
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) says Nnamdi Kanu’s health condition does not appear life-threatening.
In a ruling on September 26, James Omotosho, presiding judge, had issued an order directing the president of the NMA to constitute an investigative panel to ascertain the defendant’s health status.
Omotosho gave the directive while ruling on an application seeking to move Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), from the Department of State Services (DSS) custody to the National Hospital in the federal capital territory (FCT) for treatment.
The IPOB leader had claimed that his health had deteriorated in detention, citing medical reports that revealed liver and pancreatic complications, a lump under his armpit, and dangerously low potassium levels.
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But the prosecution had opposed the application, insisting that the federal government had provided Kanu with adequate care in detention.
At the court session on Thursday, Adegboyega Awomolo, prosecution counsel, said the report has been received and filed in court on October 13, and it has also been served on the defence.
Kanu Agabi, the defendant’s counsel, admitted that they have been served.
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In the report read in open court, the NMA panel concluded that Kanu is fit to stand trial.
Based on the information contained in the report and in the absence of any objection from lawyers to parties, Omotosho said the court was convinced that the defendant could proceed with the trial.
Omotosho said he would give six consecutive dates for the defendant to open and close his defence.
Agabi urged the court to fix a date for the defendant to be brought before it so that the defence counsel could interview him, expressing concern that the DSS might eavesdrop if the meeting were held at its facility.
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Omotosho granted the request, saying he would set aside a day for the defendant and his lawyers to confer privately in court.
He then fixed Wednesday, October 22, between 9am and 1pm, for the meeting.
