By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
A panel set up by the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has concluded that the medical condition of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is not life-threatening.
The panel was constituted on the order of Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, during Kanu’s ongoing terrorism trial. The directive came after conflicting medical reports were presented by experts representing both the prosecution and the defence.
In its report, which was submitted to the court on 13 October by the prosecution team led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), the NMA panel stated that Kanu’s health challenge does not pose a serious threat to his life and that he is fit to stand trial.
After reviewing the report and noting that neither party raised any objection, Justice Omotosho ruled that the trial could proceed. The judge then scheduled six consecutive days — beginning on 23 October — for Kanu to open and close his defence.
Additionally, Justice Omotosho granted a request by the defence counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), for Kanu’s legal team to hold private consultations with him outside the Department of State Services (DSS) facility. Agabi had expressed concerns that discussions with his client could be monitored or recorded by the DSS.
The court approved that the private meeting take place inside the courtroom on 22 October between 9 a.m. and 12 noon, with only Kanu and his legal representatives present. The trial is set to resume the following day, 23 October.