The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the
Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was on Tuesday adjourned after the Nigerian
Medical Association (NMA) failed to present its medical report on his health
status before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
At the previous sitting, Justice James Omotosho had
directed the NMA President to set up a board of medical experts to assess
Kanu’s reported deteriorating health condition. The court also ordered the
board to determine whether the medical facilities at the Department of State
Services (DSS) detention center were adequate for his treatment or if he should
be transferred to a private ward at the National Hospital, Abuja.
The report was also expected to state whether Kanu is
fit to continue standing trial.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, counsel for the Federal
Government, Suraj S’aad, informed the court that the NMA board had contacted
the prosecution team to explain that the report was not yet ready for
submission.
S’aad then requested a one-week adjournment to allow
the board conclude its findings and submit the report. With no objection from
the defense, Justice Omotosho granted the application and adjourned the matter
to October 16 for the NMA to present its report.
Kanu is currently facing a seven-count terrorism
charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS). On September 26,
the same court dismissed Kanu’s “no-case submission,” ruling that the
prosecution had presented sufficient evidence linking him to alleged acts of
terrorism.
Justice Omotosho held that the prosecution’s exhibits
and testimony raised substantial allegations requiring Kanu to open his
defense. The judge emphasized that Kanu must also be given the opportunity to
present evidence regarding his claim of extraordinary rendition, in line with
his constitutional right to a fair hearing.
Comments:
Leave a Reply