Breaking: NMA Confirms Nnamdi Kanu Is Fit for Trial

According to the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is competent to face trial for terrorism-related charges.

The NMA told the Federal High Court in Abuja Thursday that Kanu’s condition is not life-threatening.

The IPOB leader’s health evaluation, which was mandated by the court, was completed by the medical panel that the NMA President established.

As you may remember, two weeks prior, Justice James Omotosho ordered the NMA to conduct an independent evaluation of Kanu’s health status in light of contradictory medical findings from the prosecution and defense.

The medical panel’s report, which was partially read aloud during Thursday’s proceedings and submitted to the court on October 13 by the prosecution team under Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), stated that the defendant’s condition does not immediately threaten his life and that he is competent to stand trial.

Based on the medical results and the fact that the parties’ attorneys had not objected, Justice Omotosho declared that the court was satisfied that the defendant could go forward with his trial.

As a result, starting on October 23, the judge gave Kanu six days in a row to present and conclude his defense.

An oral application by Kanu’s main attorney, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), asking for authorization to have a private session with his legal team outside the Department of State Services premises was granted by Justice Omotosho.

The defense team was concerned that the DSS might listen in on or record their conversations with Kanu, Agabi had claimed.

Therefore, the court authorized that Kanu and his attorneys be the only people present at the private meeting, which would take place in the courtroom. The consultation is set for October 22 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., prior to the trial’s commencement on October 23.