Nnamdi Kanu fit for trial, illness not life threatening — NMA

By Obasola Olatunde 

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that the medical condition of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is not life-threatening and that he is fit to stand trial.

The confirmation followed a court ordered independent medical examination conducted by a panel set up by the NMA President. The report, submitted to the court on October 13 and partly read in open court on Thursday, stated that Kanu’s ailment posed no immediate danger to his life.

Justice James Omotosho had earlier directed the NMA to assess Kanu’s health status after conflicting reports were presented by the defence and the prosecution. While the Department of State Services (DSS) claimed Kanu was receiving adequate medical care at its facility, the defence argued that his health was deteriorating and requested his transfer to the National Hospital, Abuja.

Relying on the NMA’s findings and with no objection from either party, Justice Omotosho ruled that Kanu could proceed with his trial and affirmed the DSS medical facility as suitable for his treatment.

The judge subsequently granted the IPOB leader six consecutive days  from October 23 to 30  to open and close his defence, noting that “the defendant has until October 30 to close his case.”

In a related ruling, Justice Omotosho also approved an oral application by Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), for a private consultation between Kanu and his legal team outside the DSS premises. The court permitted the meeting to hold within the courtroom between 9 a.m. and 12 noon on October 22, ahead of the resumed trial.

Kanu is currently facing charges filed by the Federal Government bordering on alleged terrorism and other related offences.

The case was adjourned to October 23, 2025, for continuation of trial and commencement of Kanu’s defence.