JUDGE STANDS DOWN FOR RULING ON NNAMDI KANU'S MEDICAL FITNESS

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Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has stood down proceedings in Nnamdi Kanu‘s trial for ruling on a motion seeking his transfer to the National Hospital, Abuja, for medical attention.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is being prosecuted on allegations bordering on terrorism.

Justice Omotosho stood down the matter on Friday, after counsel for the Federal Government, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, and Kanu’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, adopted their processes and presented their arguments for and against the application.

Earlier, upon resumed hearing, Ikpeazu argued that there was an existence of a documentary evidence in support of their motion.

The lawyer said that a medical report by a Professor of Medicine, Austin Agaji, testified to the fact that Kanu needed to be transferred to the National Hospital for further treatment.

But Awomolo vehemently disagreed with Ikpeazu’s submission.

The senior lawyer said in opposing their motion, a counter-affidavit was filed on Sept 15.

He prayed the court to refuse Kanu’s request.

He said that the Federal Government cares so much about Kanu’s health and needs, in that the earlier order made by the court was strictly complied with by the Department of State Services (DSS).

“Your lordship made an order that the defendant should be allowed to see any of his relations, any doctor of his choice and his lawyers. All these were obeyed,” he said.

He said that, besides, the DSS allowed Kanu to be taken to any of his desired medical facilities.