The medical panel set up by the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to assess the health status of detained leader of the proscribed separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is yet to conclude its assignment.
The trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, adjourned the matter till October 16 due to the NMA’s inability to conclude its assessment of Kanu’s health status and present its findings before the court.
Counsel for the Department of State Services, Mr Suraj S’aad (SAN), told the court at the mention of the case on Wednesday.
According to Sa’ada, he was informed that the medical panel was yet to conclude its assignment.
Sa’ada , who said the panel plans to do a thorough job and should be given adequate time, suggested that the panel be given another one week to enable it conclude its task.
Defence lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) did not object to the one week adjournment sought by the lawyer to the prosecution.
Recall that NMA conducted court-ordered health checks on Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), following a Federal High Court order.
Justice Omotosho mandated that the NMA form a committee of medical experts from Nigeria’s diverse regions and specialities to independently assess Kanu’s health and determine if he should be moved from Department of State Services (DSS) custody to the National Hospital for treatment.
The NMA completed and submitted its report to the Attorney General’s office as directed by the court.
Kanu is being prosecuted by the Federal Government on charges bordering on alleged terrorism.
At the last sitting, Justice Omotosho had directed the NMA President to constitute a medical panel to investigate Kanu’s alleged deteriorating health after the defence and prosecution presented opposing positions on his medical condition.
While DSS counsel, Mr Awomolo Adegboyega (SAN), maintained that Kanu’s health could be adequately managed at the DSS medical facility, the defence counsel, Mr Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), insisted that his client’s health was deteriorating and that he should be taken to the National Hospital for proper care.
Justice Omotosho subsequently ordered the NMA to conduct an independent medical examination to determine, among other things, whether the DSS medical facility could cater for Kanu’s needs or if he should be transferred to the National Hospital as requested by the defence.
The report is also expected to determine whether Kanu is fit to stand trial.
