NMA says Kanu’s ailment not life threatening, fit to stand trial

• As DSS okays its medical facility to treat suspect

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

Justice James Omotoso, Thursday, received medical report from Nigerian Medical Association(NMA), indicating that the leader of the Indigenous people of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has no life threatening ailment and fit to stand his trial.

Presenting the report to the Federal High Court in Abuja, Thursday, the Department of State Service(DSS) submitted that its facility is well equipped to handle any health challenges faced by Kanu.

Justice Omotoso asked counsel to Kanu, Kanu Agabi, SAN, if he has been served with same report, he then replied in the affirmative, noting that his team have also read the report.

Agabi however asked the court to kindly fix a day for the defendant to be brought to court for his team to have a one on one session with him, as they fear that the DSS, has always eavesdropped on their conversation, within their premises.

On this grounds the trial Judge, Justice Omotosho noted that the court will rely on the report of the NMA, ascertaining that the defendant is fit to stand trial.

The judge also granted Agabi’s oral application to be granted private consultation opportunity with the defendant, outside the premises of the DSS.

Justice Omotosho also acceded to Agabi’s request that the private meeting with Kanu be held in the courtroom, during which only the defendant and his lawyers would be present.

By the court’s directive, the private consultation meeting will hold within the courtroom between 9am and 12noon on October 22, while the trial will resume on October 23, 2025.

The NMA reports on Kanu’s medical reports reads in part: “The condition of the patient and the evaluation as at the date of our examination 23rd September, 2025 does not appear life-threatening nor incapacitation to be tried following our medical recommendation for the health improvement of the patient”.