![Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.[PHOTO CREDIT: Ripples Nigeria]](https://crediblenewsng.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Nnamdi-Kanu-.jpg)
The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, committee tasked with evaluating the health condition of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, has requested additional time to complete its report.
This development was disclosed on Wednesday before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, as the court resumed hearing in the ongoing proceedings concerning Kanu’s medical status.
Counsel to the Department of State Services, DSS, Suraj Sa’ada (SAN), informed the court that the medical panel constituted by the NMA had not yet concluded its assessment.
He explained that the team was committed to conducting a comprehensive and professional evaluation and therefore needed an extension to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Sa’ada requested that the court grant the medical committee another one week to finalise its findings and submit a detailed report.
Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), did not object to the request. Following this, Justice Omotosho granted the one-week extension and adjourned the matter to October 16, 2025.
The judge emphasised that the adjournment was intended to allow the medical panel sufficient time to carry out its work thoroughly and submit an objective report for the court’s consideration.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that this health evaluation stems from a ruling delivered by Justice Omotosho on September 26, 2025.
In that ruling, the court directed the NMA President to constitute a team of qualified medical professionals to examine Kanu and determine whether he is medically fit to continue with his ongoing terrorism trial.
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The order followed complaints from Kanu’s legal team regarding his deteriorating health condition while in the custody of the DSS.
According to reports, Kanu’s lawyers had argued that their client’s health had worsened due to prolonged detention and limited access to his personal physicians.
They urged the court to mandate an independent medical examination to ensure his right to fair trial and humane treatment was upheld.
The NMA’s involvement was intended to provide an impartial medical evaluation, free from political or institutional bias.
The NMA committee, composed of medical experts across various disciplines, was expected to examine Kanu within a specific timeframe and provide a detailed report on his physical and mental health status.
However, Wednesday’s proceedings revealed that the process required more time due to the complexity of medical assessments involved and the need to adhere to professional standards.
With the new adjournment to October 16, attention now turns to the NMA panel’s findings, which could play a crucial role in determining the next phase of Kanu’s trial.
Justice Omotosho stated that once the report is submitted, the court will review its contents before deciding on the continuation of Kanu’s trial or any further directives regarding his health and custody.
NAN
