The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has completed a court-ordered health examination of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Dr. Ben Egbo, the NMA Secretary-General, confirmed this development in an interview on Sunday.
On September 26, the Federal High Court in Abuja directed the NMA to form a panel of medical experts within eight days to assess Kanu’s health condition. Justice James Omotosho ordered that the report be submitted for consideration on whether Kanu should be transferred to the National Hospital for treatment.
Dr. Egbo reported that the evaluation was carried out as mandated by the court, and the findings have been submitted to the Attorney General of the Federation. He explained, “The court ordered us to conduct the examination. We formed a committee of seven doctors from various specialties to evaluate him.”
The committee included experts in fields such as ophthalmology, neurology, urology, and gastroenterology. Following Kanu’s application for transfer due to health concerns, the judge also instructed the committee to assess whether the Department of State Services (DSS) hospital could adequately address Kanu’s medical needs.
The NMA has submitted its report to the Attorney General, and Dr. Egbo advised that any further inquiries should be directed to the Ministry of Justice.
In a related development, Kanu’s legal team has petitioned the World Medical Association (WMA), citing serious health issues and inadequate medical care during his detention. In a letter dated October 3, signed by his international counsel Bruce Fein, Kanu described his health as deteriorating due to insufficient medical attention since his arrest in June 2021.
Kanu’s letter detailed his solitary confinement and lack of basic necessities in detention, leading to significant health challenges. He expressed concern that his condition had reached a “life-threatening threshold” and requested that the WMA engage with the NMA to ensure he receives appropriate medical care.
The letter also requested a review of Kanu’s medical records during his time in DSS custody and protection for independent medical practitioners providing care. Kanu emphasized the urgent need for the NMA’s assessment report, warning that delays could undermine the medical truth.
He highlighted a history of health issues stemming from his initial detention, including severe reactions to inadequate care, which have left him at risk of serious health complications. The letter concluded by calling for immediate action to address Kanu’s medical neglect, urging the WMA and NMA to intervene.
As of now, the DSS has not commented on the situation, as there is currently no official spokesperson available.
