The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) panel, constituted on the order of the Federal High Court in Abuja, has confirmed that the health condition of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is not life-threatening.

The finding was contained in a report submitted to the court on October 13 by the prosecution team led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN. The panel’s assessment followed a directive by Justice James Omotosho for the NMA to independently evaluate Kanu’s health after conflicting medical reports were presented by experts from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the defence team.

Reading from the report during Thursday’s proceedings, Justice Omotosho said the panel concluded that Kanu’s condition does not prevent him from standing trial.

“The defendant’s ailment is not life-threatening,” the report stated.

With no objections raised by either party, the court ruled that Kanu is fit to proceed with his trial and fixed six consecutive days, beginning October 23, for the defence to open and close its case.

Meanwhile, Justice Omotosho granted an oral application by Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, allowing the defence team to hold a private consultation with their client outside the DSS premises. Agabi had expressed concern that their discussions within the DSS facility might be monitored or recorded.

The judge directed that the private meeting be held inside the courtroom on October 22, between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon, with only Kanu and his lawyers present. The substantive trial will resume the following day, October 23.