The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the medical facility operated by the Department of State Services (DSS) is fully equipped to handle the health needs of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In its ruling on Wednesday, Justice James Omotosho upheld the findings of a medical panel set up by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), which concluded that Kanu’s condition is not life-threatening and that he remains fit to face trial.
The NMA panel’s report, dated October 13, was submitted to the court by the prosecution team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Adegboyega Awomolo. The evaluation followed a court order directing an independent medical review after conflicting reports emerged from doctors representing both the defence and the prosecution.
Justice Omotosho, after reviewing the report and noting that neither side objected to its findings, ruled that the case should proceed without further delay. The court subsequently adjourned the matter to October 23, granting Kanu six consecutive days to open and present his defence.
Kanu is currently standing trial on multiple terrorism-related charges filed by the Federal Government. He has been in DSS custody since his re-arrest and repatriation to Nigeria in 2021.
The fresh directive by the court effectively clears the path for the resumption of the long-drawn legal battle, which has faced several delays over Kanu’s health concerns and procedural disputes.
