NMA to court: Kanu fit for trial, his ailment not life-threatening

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) panel constituted by its president, on Thursday, October 16, 2025, told the Federal High Court in Abuja that the ailment Nnamdi Kanu complained about was not life-threatening.

The presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, had ordered the NMA to set up a panel to ascertain the actual health status of Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The order followed conflicting reports issued by medical experts engaged by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the defence.

In the panel’s report submitted to the court on October 13 by the prosecution team led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), part of which was read in the open court during Thursday’s proceedings, it was stated the “the defendant’s ailment is not life threatening.”

Court orders NMA to ascertain Kanu’s health status in 8 days

The team concluded that Kanu is fit to stand trial.

Based on the information contained in the report and in the absence of any objection from lawyers to parties, Justice Omotosho said the court was convinced that the defendant could proceed with the trial.

The judge subsequently granted Kanu six consecutive days, beginning from October 23, 2025, to open and close his defence.

The judge also granted an oral application by defence lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN), that Kanu’s legal team be granted private consultation opportunity with the defendant, outside the premises of the DSS.

The Star