The Nigerian Medical Association has begun drafting its defence in the N50bn lawsuit filed against it by the imprisoned leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
The NMA President, Prof Bala Audu, told Sunday PUNCH that the association’s legal team was already working on their formal response.
“Our response is with our lawyer,” he said.
Kanu, currently serving life sentence for terrorism-related conviction, had earlier raised concerns during his trial before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, alleging that his health had deteriorated while in the custody of the Department of State Services.
He cited medical reports indicating liver and pancreatic complications, a lump under his armpit, and severely low potassium levels.
Kanu maintained that the care available at the DSS facility was inadequate and asked the court to permit him access to the National Hospital.
However, the prosecution countered his claims, insisting that his condition was not as severe as alleged and could be effectively managed by DSS medical personnel.
Following the dispute, Justice Omotosho ordered the NMA to constitute an independent panel to assess Kanu’s true medical status.
The panel’s report, which was read in the open court, downplayed the severity of his condition and declared him fit to stand trial.
Dissatisfied, Kanu, through his former lawyer turned consultant, Maxwell Opara, filed a N50bn suit against the NMA; its president, Prof Audu; and members of the medical panel.
The listed panel members include: Benjamin Egbon, Emem Abraham, Ajibare Adeola, Temitope Farombi, Sunday Samson Owolade, Mustaoha Said Salihu, Yarima Suleiman Yusuf, Nwosu Ekeoma and Benjamin Oluwatosin Olowojebutu.
According to the suit, Kanu alleges that neither the NMA president nor any panel constituted by the association ever visited, interviewed, or medically examined him as ordered by the court.
He claims the association “forged, prepared and submitted a false medical report dated September 23, 2025.”
He accused the defendants of professional misconduct, perjury, and deliberate misrepresentation aimed at misleading the court.
The suit argues that the alleged false report influenced the court’s decisions, resulting in Kanu’s continued detention, denial of adequate medical care, and further deterioration of his health and dignity.
Kanu in the suit, prayed the Court for several reliefs, including, A declaration that the defendants violated his rights to fair hearing and dignity of the human person under sections 34 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution.
“An order compelling the defendants to publicly withdraw and retract the disputed medical report.An injunction restraining them from issuing or relying on any false or unverified medical report concerning him. An order directing the NMA to conduct a fresh, independent medical examination by specialists unconnected to the defendants.
“N50bn in general damages for alleged harm to his health, reputation, and emotional well-being as well as N500m in exemplary damages for what he calls malicious fabrication and abuse of professional authority.
The case is expected to progress once the NMA formally files its response before the court which the president stated will commence soon.