Court Directs NMA To Assess Nnamdi Kanu’s Medical Condition
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to constitute a medical panel to assess the health condition of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Justice James Omotosho issued the directive on Friday while ruling on an application by Kanu’s legal team, seeking his transfer from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to the National Hospital, Abuja, for medical treatment.
The application, filed on September 3, alleged that Kanu’s health has been deteriorating in DSS custody.
The court directed the NMA president to set up a panel of eight to ten members to determine whether the DSS facility is adequate for Kanu’s medical care. The panel is also to assess whether a transfer to the National Hospital is necessary and if Kanu is fit to stand trial.
The judge further directed that the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, or a representative, must be included in the panel, as Kanu specifically chose the hospital for treatment.
The panel’s report must be signed by the chairman and secretary and filed within eight days of the ruling.
During the hearing, Kanu’s counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, submitted a medical report by Professor Austin Agaji, indicating the need for further treatment at the National Hospital.
Counsel for the Federal Government, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, opposed the application. He argued that the DSS had complied with previous court orders by allowing Kanu access to family, legal representatives, and medical personnel of his choice.
Awomolo said the claims about Kanu’s health were exaggerated and warned that transferring him to the National Hospital could pose a security risk, potentially endangering other patients or requiring the hospital to be militarised.
He also noted that the DSS had already constituted a seven-member medical panel from the NMA to assess Kanu’s condition. However, Kanu’s lawyer stated he was not informed of the panel.
When the judge asked if Kanu’s legal team would accept an independent panel if ordered by the court, Ikpeazu agreed.
Justice Omotosho then ordered the formal constitution of the panel by the NMA.
In a related matter, the judge also began delivering a ruling on Kanu’s no-case submission.
