The in Abuja has adjourned the trial of , leader of the (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu to October 16 following the failure of the (NMA) to present his medical examination report as earlier directed.
Presiding judge, , postponed the proceedings on Wednesday after the NMA informed the court through counsel that it had not concluded its assessment of Kanu’s health status.
The development comes after the court had mandated the NMA to conduct an independent medical evaluation of the IPOB leader. Justice Omotosho had earlier ordered the NMA to constitute a medical panel comprising experts from different regions and specialities to determine whether Kanu should remain in (DSS) custody or be transferred to the for treatment.
Counsel for the DSS, (SAN), told the court that the medical board communicated that its findings were not ready for submission.
Kanu is facing terrorism-related charges filed by the Federal Government.
At the previous sitting, the judge ordered the NMA to carry out the medical examination after the defence counsel, (SAN), argued that his client’s health was deteriorating and required specialized treatment at the National Hospital.
The DSS counsel, (SAN), however, maintained that the agency’s medical facility was capable of managing Kanu’s condition.
Justice Omotosho subsequently ordered an independent evaluation to determine if the DSS facility could meet Kanu’s medical needs and whether he is fit to stand trial.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, DSS counsel requested a one-week adjournment to enable the medical panel to conclude its work. With no objection from the defence, the court granted the request.
“The court is adjourned to 16 October for the report of the Nigerian Medical Association,” Justice Omotosho ruled.
The court is expected to determine the next steps in the trial once the NMA submits its findings.
