Court orders NMA to verify Nnamdi Kanu’s health status, fitness for trial

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to verify the health condition of the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, and determine whether his ailment could hinder him from standing trial.

The order followed an application by Kanu, who sought to be moved to a private ward at the National Hospital, Abuja, for urgent treatment of an alleged life-threatening illness. After reviewing submissions from Kanu’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), and the prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), the judge ruled that the NMA’s president should set up a medical team to assess the DSS medical facility to determine if it could adequately manage Kanu’s health.

The panel is also tasked with deciding whether Kanu needs to be transferred to the National Hospital and if his condition renders him unfit to continue standing trial. Justice Omotosho further ordered that the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, or a representative, must be part of the team.

He directed that the committee’s report, signed by both the chairman and secretary, be submitted to the court’s registry within eight days from September 26, 2025.

More details to follow.