A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the further trial of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu on terrorism charges until October 16.
Justice James Omotosho postponed the Wednesday, October 8, proceeding because the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has not yet finished its health assessment of Kanu or submitted the required report to the court.
Persecondnews recalls that Justice Omotosho had at the last adjournment, ordered the NMA President to constitute a board of medical experts to carry out investigations on the alleged deteriorating health of the defendant.
The essence of the medical examination was among others, to know weather the medical facility at the Department of the State Service DSS headquarters can cater for Kanu or be moved to the National Hospital as requested by the defendant.
The report is also to determine weather Kanu is fit to stand for continuation of his trial.
However, at Wednesday’s proceedings, the DSS Lawyer, Mr Suraj S’aad(SAN), informed Justice Omotosho that the Medical board had contacted them that the report was not ready for presentation as directed by the court.
The senior lawyer, therefore, applied for a week adjournment to enable the NMA Medical board conclude its investigation.
Following no objection to the adjournment request by Mr. Onyechi Ikpeazu(SAN) who stood for Kanu, Justice Omotosho fixed October 16 for the board to submit its report and determine the next line of proceedings.
Persecondnews recalls that Kanu has been in DSS detention in Abuja since he was rearrested in Kenya and subjected to extraordinary rendition back to Nigeria on June 27, 2021.
He was arrested by Kenyan security operatives in collaboration with Nigerian authorities.
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