The Nigerian Medical Association panel constituted by its president, on Thursday, told the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court that Nnamdi Kanu’s ailment was not life-threatening.

Justice James Omotosho had ordered the NMA to set up a panel to ascertain the actual health status of Mr Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra.

The order followed conflicting reports issued by medical experts engaged by the State Security Service (SSS) and the defence.

In the panel’s report submitted to the court on October 13 by the prosecution team led by Adegboyega Awomolo, part of which was read in the open court during Thursday’s proceedings, it was stated, “The defendant’s ailment is not life-threatening.”

The team concluded that Mr Kanu was fit to stand trial.

Based on the information contained in the report and in the absence of any objection from lawyers to parties, Mr Omotosho said the court was convinced that the defendant could proceed with the trial.

The judge subsequently granted Mr Kanu six consecutive days, beginning from October 23, to open and close his defence.

The judge equally granted an oral application by defence lawyer, Kanu Agabi, that Mr Kanu’s legal team be granted a private consultation opportunity with the defendant outside the premises of the SSS.

Mr Agabi said the defendant’s legal team was afraid that its consultation with him (Kanu) could be tapped or recorded by the SSS.

Mr Omotosho also acceded to Mr Agabi’s request that the private meeting with Mr Kanu be held in the courtroom, during which only the defendant and his lawyers would be present.

By the court’s directive, the private consultation meeting will be held within the courtroom between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon on October 22, while the trial will resume on October 23.

(NAN)