Court delivers judgement on Nnamdi Kanu’s request to transfer to national hospital
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to set up a panel of medical experts to evaluate the health condition of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Justice James Omotosho gave the order on Friday while ruling on Kanu’s application seeking transfer to the National Hospital in Abuja for treatment.
The judge directed that the panel, which should include a cardiologist, a neurologist, and the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, submit its report within eight days.
The court held that the report would guide its decision on whether Kanu should be moved from the Department of State Services (DSS) medical facility to the National Hospital.
It also ruled that the panel is free to make use of any hospital in the country while carrying out its assessment.
In a related development, the court has refused to stop the trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The court on Friday dismissed an application he filed to quash the seven-count charge of terrorism and treasonable felony brought against him by the Federal Government.
Justice James Omotosho ruled that the evidence presented so far established a case that requires Kanu to defend himself.
The court ordered him to open his defence and fixed October 8 for the proceedings to continue.
Kanu had earlier asked the court to acquit him, arguing that the prosecution failed to produce credible evidence linking him to the offences.
His legal team maintained that witnesses called by the government did not establish that he incited or directed any act of violence.
They also challenged his prolonged detention and the legality of IPOB’s proscription.
The Federal Government, however, opposed his request, insisting that both video and audio recordings tendered before the court showed that Kanu admitted being the leader of a banned group and made statements that encouraged violence.
The prosecution further argued that the charge should not be struck out since the content of his broadcasts could not be dismissed as mere words.
The court, after reviewing the arguments, held that Kanu has questions to answer and must proceed with his defence.
