Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has adjourned the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on alleged terrorism charges to October 16.
The adjournment followed the inability of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to present its report on Kanu’s health status as directed by the court.
At the previous sitting, Justice Omotosho had ordered the President of the NMA to constitute a medical board to assess Kanu’s alleged deteriorating health condition and determine whether the Department of State Services (DSS) medical facility was adequate for his treatment or if he should be transferred to a private ward at the National Hospital, Abuja. The report was also expected to confirm whether Kanu was fit to stand trial.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, Suraj S’aad, counsel to the Federal Government, informed the court that the medical board had communicated that the report was not yet ready. He, therefore, requested a week’s adjournment to allow the board to complete its investigation.
With no objections raised, Justice Omotosho granted the request and fixed October 16 for the submission of the medical report.
Kanu is facing a seven-count charge of alleged involvement in terrorism activities. On September 26, the court dismissed his no-case submission, ruling that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to warrant the IPOB leader entering his defence.
Justice Omotosho held that the evidence and exhibits presented raised serious allegations requiring Kanu to defend himself and exercise his right to a fair hearing, particularly regarding his claim of extraordinary rendition.
What you should know
The trial of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu was adjourned to October 16 after the Nigerian Medical Association failed to submit its health report.
The court previously ruled that Kanu must enter his defence, having found that the prosecution established a prima facie case of alleged terrorism against him.
