The trial judge constituted the NMA panel to resolve conflicting claims made by medical experts for the prosecution and the defense.
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) panel set up to determine the seriousness of the ailment of the self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has announced its findings.
Its verdict was read during court proceedings on Thursday after the report was submitted by the prosecution team led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) on October 13.
The medical team was ordered by Justice James Omotosho, midway into Kanu’s terrorism trial before a Federal High Court in Abuja, to ascertain Kanu’s actual health status following conflicting claims by medical experts engaged by the prosecution and the defense.
ALSO READ: Judge rules DSS facility adequate for Nnamdi Kanu, adjourns trial to Oct 23
According to the report, Kanu’s ailment is not life-threatening and he is fit to stand trial.
Based on the information, and in the absence of any objection from the lawyers for both parties, Justice Omotosho said the court was convinced that Kanu could proceed with the trial.
He subsequently granted the defendant six consecutive days, beginning from October 23, to open and close his defense.
The judge also granted an oral application by defense lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN), that Kanu’s legal team be granted a private consultation opportunity with the defendant outside the premises of the Department of State Services (DSS).
