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| File image of Nnamdi Kanu in court |
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) panel, constituted by its president, informed the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday that the ailment complained of by Nnamdi Kanu is not life-threatening.
Justice James Omotosho had earlier directed the NMA to form a medical panel to determine the true state of health of Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), following conflicting medical reportssubmitted by experts engaged by both the Department of State Services (DSS) and the defence team.
In its report, submitted to the court on October 13 by the prosecution team led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), the NMA panel concluded that “the defendant’s ailment is not life-threatening” and that Kanu is fit to stand trial.
Citing the panel’s findings and with no objections raised by counsel on either side, Justice Omotosho ruled that the court was satisfied that the trial could proceed. He then granted Kanu six consecutive days, starting October 23, to open and close his defence.
Additionally, the court approved an oral request made by defence counsel Kanu Agabi (SAN) for Kanu’s legal team to have a private consultation with him outside the DSS premises. Agabi had expressed concerns that discussions with the defendant might be monitored or recorded by the DSS.
Justice Omotosho agreed to the request, directing that the private meeting be held in the courtroom between 9 a.m. and 12 noon on October 22, with only Kanu and his lawyers present. The trial is scheduled to resume on October 23.
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