The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu

A court-ordered medical panel has declared the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, fit to continue his ongoing terrorism trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The medical team, constituted by the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) on the order of Justice James Omotosho, submitted its report to the court on 13 October. Parts of the report were read in open court on Thursday after the prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), referred to its findings.

According to the report, “the defendant’s ailment is not life-threatening.” The panel’s assessment concluded that Mr Kanu’s health condition does not prevent him from standing trial.

Mr Kanu has been in the custody of the State Security Service (SSS) since June 2021. He faces terrorism charges related to his secessionist campaign for an independent state of Biafra, comprising Nigeria’s southeast and parts of neighbouring regions.

The IPOB leader has consistently denied all charges, which were refiled in 2025 after earlier proceedings dating back to 2015.

Earlier, Mr Kanu’s lawyers, led by Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), requested that he be transferred to the National Hospital, Abuja, based on a medical report from a professor of medicine indicating that he required specialized treatment.

In response, Justice Omotosho directed the NMA president to assemble a medical panel of eight to ten experts to assess Mr Kanu’s health, the suitability of the SSS medical facility, and whether he needed to be transferred for treatment.

Although the panel requested an extension of time beyond its initial 8 October deadline, its final report, submitted on 13 October, affirmed that Mr Kanu is medically fit to stand trial.

Following the report and without objection from either party, Justice Omotosho ruled that the trial should proceed.

He subsequently ordered Mr Kanu to open his defence beginning 23 October, granting six consecutive days for him to present and close his case.

The judge also approved an oral application by defence counsel Kanu Agabi (SAN) for private consultations between the defendant and his legal team, citing concerns that their discussions could be monitored by the SSS.

Justice Omotosho ruled that the private meetings will be held in the courtroom on 22 October between 9 a.m. and 12 noon, with only Mr Kanu and his lawyers present.