Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has been ordered to, within eight days, constitute a team of medical experts to ascertain the health condition of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, who gave the order on Friday, held that the report from the medical experts should be submitted to the court within eight days.
The court held that the report would assist it in deciding on an application filed by Kanu, who is facing a seven-count terrorism charge, to be transferred to the National Hospital in Abuja for proper medical attention.
Justice Omotosho ordered the medical team to visit the medical facility of the Department of State Services (DSS) to confirm if it has the capacity to meet Kanu’s health needs.
He held that the committee set up by the NMA is at liberty to make use of any hospital in the country to carry out its investigations.
According to the court, the committee should comprise between eight and 10 members of the NMA and must include a cardiologist and a neurologist.
Moreover, the court ordered that the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital must also be a member of the committee.
Kanu had sought an order of the court directing the Department of State Services (DSS) to allow him to seek medical attention.
