Nnamdi Kanu Declared Medically Fit To Stand Trial, Court Approves Private Legal Consultation
The team of medical experts appointed by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has confirmed that the health condition of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is not life-threatening. The medical assessment was ordered by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja to resolve conflicting reports from medical personnel representing both the prosecution and the defence. In the panel’s report, submitted to the court on October 13 and partially read in open court on Thursday, the experts concluded that Kanu is medically fit to continue with his terrorism trial. Following the submission, Justice Omotosho ruled that the trial could proceed, noting that there were no objections from either side regarding the findings. However, the judge granted a request from Kanu’s lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN), for a private consultation between the defendant and his legal team outside the Department of State Services (DSS) facility. Agabi had expressed concerns that discussions with his client might be recorded or monitored by the DSS. Justice Omotosho directed that the private consultation be held inside the courtroom, without any third parties present, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on October 22. The court also scheduled the continuation of Kanu’s trial for October 23.