A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the
detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu,
is medically fit to stand trial, following a recent health assessment
conducted by a neutral medical panel.
Justice James Omotosho gave the ruling after
receiving a report from the medical team, which was constituted to verify
Kanu’s health status amid conflicting claims from medical experts engaged by
both the prosecution and defence.
According to the report, submitted to the court on October
13 by the prosecution team led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), the
panel found that Kanu’s ailment was not life-threatening. The judge
subsequently held that the defendant was fit to proceed with his case.
Justice Omotosho thereafter granted Kanu six
consecutive days, starting October 23, to open and close his
defence.
The court also approved an oral request by Kanu’s
counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), allowing the defence team to hold a private
consultation with the defendant outside the custody of the Department of
State Services (DSS).
Agabi had expressed concerns that the team’s
discussions with Kanu at the DSS facility might be recorded or monitored.
The judge directed that the private meeting take place
inside the courtroom between 9 a.m. and noon on October 22, with
only Kanu and his lawyers present. The trial is scheduled to resume the
following day, October 23.
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