Cynthia Ezegwu
The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Bala Audu, to constitute a medical team of between eight and 10 members to determine the fitness of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to stand trial.
Justice James Omotosho issued the order on Friday while ruling on an application by Kanu, who sought transfer to a private ward at the National Hospital, Abuja, for what he described as a life-threatening illness.
The judge said the NMA team must examine whether the health facilities at the Department of State Services (DSS), where Kanu is being held, are adequate for his treatment. The team is also to assess if it is necessary to move him to the National Hospital and whether his condition renders him unfit to continue standing trial.
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Justice Omotosho further ordered that the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, or a representative, should be part of the team.
He directed that the team’s report, signed by its chairman and secretary, be submitted to the court registry within eight days.