The long-running legal battle involving the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, took a new turn on Thursday as a medical panel from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that his health condition is not life-threatening.
The disclosure followed an earlier directive by Justice James Omotosho ordering the NMA to set up a team of medical professionals to independently assess Mr Kanu’s health status. The order came after conflicting reports were presented by doctors engaged separately by the State Security Service (SSS) and the defence team.
Presenting the findings before the court, the prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), confirmed that the medical panel’s report, submitted on October 13, concluded that Mr Kanu is medically fit to continue with his trial.
Part of the report read in open court stated: “The defendant’s ailment is not life-threatening.”
Following the submission of the report and in the absence of objections from both legal teams, Justice Omotosho ruled that the defendant was capable of proceeding with his defence.
The judge subsequently granted Mr Kanu six consecutive days — from October 23 to October 28 — to open and close his defence.
In a separate ruling, the judge also approved an oral application by defence counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), requesting a private consultation with his client outside the premises of the SSS. Mr Agabi had expressed concern that discussions with the IPOB leader might be recorded or monitored by security operatives.
Justice Omotosho’s latest decision is expected to bring renewed momentum to a case that has stretched for years, often marked by delays, security tensions, and widespread public interest.
The development comes amid sustained calls from human rights organisations and international observers urging Nigerian authorities to ensure that Mr Kanu receives fair treatment and access to adequate medical care while in detention.
The Indigenous People of Biafra leader has been in the custody of the State Security Service (SSS) since his controversial re-arrest in 2021, following his initial flight from Nigeria in 2017 after his bail was revoked. His detention has continued to spark protests in parts of the South-East and has been a flashpoint in discussions around ethnic self-determination, national unity, and human rights.
The Nigerian government maintains that Mr Kanu’s activities under the IPOB banner threaten national security and public peace, alleging that his broadcasts and directives contributed to violent disruptions in the region. However, his supporters argue that his advocacy has remained non-violent and focused on the political emancipation of the Igbo people.
Speaking shortly after the court session, a senior government lawyer who preferred anonymity said, “The ruling confirms that due process is being followed. The panel’s independent medical findings are transparent and should put to rest the narrative that the defendant is being denied care or unfairly treated.”
Mr Kanu’s legal counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), while reacting to the development, commended the court for allowing an independent medical evaluation. He said the defence team would take full advantage of the six-day window to present its arguments and evidence before the court.
He added, “We appreciate the court’s decision to allow private consultation. Our client deserves the right to confidential communication with his lawyers, especially in a matter of such national significance.”
As the defence prepares for its presentation, security around the Federal High Court premises in Abuja is expected to be heightened. The last few hearings have witnessed heavy security presence and crowd control measures due to the large turnout of IPOB supporters and curious onlookers.
Analysts say the outcome of the trial could have far-reaching political and social implications. A Lagos-based constitutional lawyer, Barrister Uche Nwosu, noted that the renewed proceedings could either “heal wounds or deepen mistrust,” depending on how the case is handled.
He explained, “The court’s fairness, the government’s restraint, and the transparency of the process will be critical. Nigerians and the international community are watching closely.”
Meanwhile, several Igbo socio-political groups have urged calm and patience as the legal process unfolds. The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council described the court’s handling of the matter as “measured and procedurally fair,” urging both the government and IPOB members to “allow justice to take its full course.”