The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to October 16, following the inability of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to submit his medical examination report.
Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case on Wednesday, said the adjournment became necessary after the NMA failed to conclude its independent assessment of Kanu’s health as ordered by the court.
The court had earlier directed the NMA to constitute a committee of medical experts drawn from various regions and specialities to examine Kanu’s medical condition and determine whether he should remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) or be transferred to the National Hospital for further treatment.
Counsel for the DSS, Mr. Suraj S’aad (SAN), informed the court that the medical board had communicated that its report was not yet ready for submission.
Kanu’s counsel, Mr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), did not oppose the request for an adjournment.
Justice Omotosho subsequently fixed October 16 for the presentation of the report and further hearing in the matter.
At the previous sitting, the court had ordered the NMA to conduct the examination after Kanu’s lawyers raised concerns about his deteriorating health, contrary to the DSS’s claim that he was receiving adequate medical care in their facility.
The outcome of the NMA’s report is expected to determine whether Kanu is fit to stand trial or requires specialized treatment outside the DSS facility.
Kanu is currently facing terrorism-related charges brought against him by the Federal Government