A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to constitute a medical team of between eight to 10 members to assess the health status of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Justice James Omotosho issued the order on Friday while ruling on an application filed by Kanu, who requested to be transferred to a private ward at the National Hospital for urgent medical attention over alleged life-threatening ailments.
The judge ruled that the team, to be set up by the NMA President, must evaluate the health facilities at the Department of State Services (DSS) detention centre to determine if they are adequate to manage Kanu’s health condition.
According to the court’s order, the medical team is also to determine whether Kanu’s health issues are serious enough to warrant his transfer to the National Hospital as requested and whether the ailments could prevent him from standing trial.
Justice Omotosho further directed that the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital or a representative must be included in the team to ensure transparency in the medical evaluation process.
Kanu, who is facing trial on charges bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony, has consistently complained about his health since being in DSS custody.
