The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, to October 16 for the submission of his medical examination report by the Nigerian Medical Association.
Justice James Omotosho granted the adjournment on Wednesday following the NMA’s failure to complete and present its findings on Kanu’s health status before the court.
The NMA had earlier been directed to conduct a comprehensive medical evaluation of Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services.
The court ordered the association to assemble a team of medical professionals drawn from different regions and specialities across Nigeria to independently assess the IPOB leader’s health and advise whether he should remain in DSS custody or be transferred to the National Hospital for treatment.
Although the NMA reportedly completed and forwarded its findings to the Office of the Attorney General, counsel for the DSS, Mr. Suraj S’aad (SAN), told the court that the medical board’s final report was not yet ready for submission.
Kanu is currently facing trial on terrorism-related charges filed by the Federal Government.
At the previous hearing, Justice Omotosho had instructed the NMA president to set up the medical panel after the prosecution and defence presented conflicting accounts of Kanu’s health condition.
While DSS counsel, Mr. Awomolo Adegboyega (SAN), argued that the service’s medical facility was capable of managing Kanu’s health, defence counsel, Mr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), maintained that his client’s condition was worsening and urged the court to allow his transfer to the National Hospital for better care.
Justice Omotosho subsequently ordered the NMA to carry out an independent evaluation to determine, among other things, whether the DSS facility could meet Kanu’s medical needs or if he should be referred to the National Hospital as requested by the defence.
The assessment is also expected to indicate whether Kanu is fit to stand trial.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, the DSS counsel sought a one-week adjournment to enable the NMA medical board to finalise its work. With no objection from the defence, the court granted the request.
“The court is adjourned to 16 October for the report of the Nigerian Medical Association,” Justice Omotosho ruled.
