The presiding judge, James Omotosho, ordered the NMA president to form an investigating panel to determine the defendant’s health status in a ruling on September 26.
While rendering a decision on a request to transfer Kanu from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to the National Hospital in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for medical care, Omotosho issued the directive.
Citing medical records that showed liver and pancreatic issues, a tumor under his armpit, and dangerously low potassium levels, the IPOB leader asserted that his health had gotten worse while he was in custody. However, the prosecution had contested the motion, claiming that Kanu had received proper care while in federal protective custody.
“The defendant’s right to life and good health remain paramount, so this court has ordered the president of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) to form an investigative panel consisting of eight to ten members to determine whether the defendant is actually suffering from medical issues and whether the DSS medical facility is adequately equipped to handle the defendant’s medical issues,” the judge stated in his ruling. The National Hospital’s chief medical director or his designee must also be on the panel, the court further said. The prosecution’s attorney, Suraj Sa’ada, told the court during Wednesday’s resumed proceedings that he had been notified that the medical panel had not yet completed its task.
Onyechi Ikpeazu the defence lawyer, did not object to the request for adjournment. The court adjourned the hearing to October 16.
