The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday postponed the trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to October 16, following the Nigerian Medical Association’s (NMA) inability to submit its medical examination report.
Justice James Omotosho adjourned the proceedings after the NMA failed to conclude its evaluation of Kanu’s health condition as earlier directed by the court.
Recall that the Federal High Court had mandated the NMA to carry out an independent medical assessment of the detained IPOB leader to determine his health status and whether he should be transferred from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to the National Hospital for treatment.
Justice Omotosho had ordered the NMA to constitute a committee of medical professionals drawn from different regions and fields to ensure an unbiased assessment of Kanu’s health.
The association was said to have completed the exercise and submitted its report to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
However, counsel to the DSS, Mr. Suraj S’aad (SAN), told the court that the medical board had yet to finalise its findings for submission as directed.
Kanu is currently facing terrorism-related charges filed by the Federal Government.
At the previous sitting, the court directed the NMA President to form a medical panel to investigate claims of Kanu’s deteriorating health, following conflicting positions by the prosecution and defence teams.
While DSS counsel, Mr. Awomolo Adegboyega (SAN), argued that Kanu’s condition was being properly managed in DSS custody, defence counsel, Mr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), maintained that his client required urgent medical attention at the National Hospital.
Justice Omotosho consequently ordered an independent medical evaluation to determine if the DSS facility could cater to Kanu’s medical needs or if a transfer to the National Hospital was necessary. The report is also expected to indicate whether Kanu is fit to stand trial.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, the DSS counsel sought a short adjournment to allow the NMA medical board to conclude its work.
With no objection from the defence, Justice Omotosho granted the request and adjourned the matter.
“The court is adjourned to 16 October for the report of the Nigerian Medical Association,” Justice Omotosho ruled.