Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the leader of the Biafra nation agitation, Nnamdi Kanu, to open his defence in the ongoing terrorism trial against him.
The order came on Friday after the court dismissed a no-case submission filed by Kanu’s legal team.
In ruling on the application, Justice Omotosho held that the prosecution, led by Chief Solomon Awomolo, had successfully established a prima facie case warranting the defendant to respond.
According to the judge, it would be in Kanu’s best interest to address and clarify the issues raised during the prosecution’s presentation.
Consequently, the court ordered that Kanu proceed with presenting his defence in the case bordering on alleged terrorism charges.
Earlier on the same day, Justice Omotosho also directed the President of the Nigerian Medical Association to constitute a medical team to evaluate Kanu’s current health condition.
The judge stated that the NMA committee is permitted to utilize any hospital within the country to carry out the health assessment.
Justice Omotosho further directed the committee to visit the Department of State Services (DSS) medical facility to determine whether it has the capacity to adequately manage Kanu’s health needs.
The committee was given eight days to submit its findings, which the court will consider in deciding whether to approve a transfer of the defendant to the National Hospital for further medical care.
Additionally, the judge ordered that the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital be included as a member of the NMA-led committee.
He also specified that the panel should consist of between eight to ten members, including a cardiologist and a neurologist, to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.
The court’s decision followed conflicting medical reports submitted by DSS doctors and Kanu’s private consultants, prompting the need for an independent expert assessment.
