DSS said that it chose to invite NMA to intervene in the matter in view of conflicting information about Kanu’s health.
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Department of State Services (DSS) on Friday revealed that the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has constituted a seven-member team to ascertain the health status of the detained self acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Lawyer to DSS, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) made this known after the resumption of the terrorism charges levelled against Kanu by the Federal Government.
According to Awomolo, the government chose to invite the NMA to intervene in the saga in view of conflicting information about Kanu’s actual state of health.
While opposing the application seeking the transfer of the IPOB leader to be National Hospital in Abuja for medical attention, he prayed the court to grant a week’s adjournment to enable the NMA team to submit its report.
He also countered the claim by Kanu’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) that his client’s health was seriously threatened, insisting that nothing was unusual about Kanu’s complaint in relation to his health.
ALSO READ: Otti refutes claims that S’East govs abandoned IPOB leader, Kanu
Trial Justice, James Omotosho in his ruling directed the president of the NMA to constitute an investigative committee to inspect the DSS medical facility and consider if Kanu can be catered for in the facility..
He also said the 8 man committee will ascertain if there is a need to move Kanu to the national hospital and investigate if his health status makes him unfit to attend the trial.
The judge added that the committee should comprise members who have experience relating to the medical issues of the IPOB leader and the Chief Medical Director of the Abuja National Hospital.
He also ordered that the report should be filed in court within 8 days.
