The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to constitute a team of 8-10 medical experts to assess Nnamdi Kanu’s health condition and determine whether he is fit to stand trial. This development comes after Kanu’s legal team filed an application seeking his transfer to the National Hospital, Abuja, for urgent medical attention, citing his deteriorating health while in detention.
Kanu’s lawyers argue that his health has significantly worsened due to prolonged detention and poor medical care, with tests revealing life-threatening conditions, including:
– Kidney and Liver Issues: Kanu is suffering from kidney and liver-related problems.
– Low Potassium Levels: He has dangerously low potassium levels.
– Suspicious Swelling: There’s a swelling under his armpit that requires urgent medical investigation.
The court has directed the NMA President to set up a team that will:
– Assess Kanu’s Health: Determine whether Kanu’s health challenges are severe enough to prevent him from standing trial.
– Evaluate DSS Medical Facilities: Assess the adequacy of the Department of State Services’ medical facilities in managing Kanu’s health conditions.
– Determine Necessity of Transfer: Decide whether transferring Kanu to the National Hospital is necessary.
The NMA has already constituted a 7-member panel to evaluate Kanu’s health condition, and the court has ordered that the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital or his representative should be part of the team. The team’s report is expected to be filed in court within 8 days.
