*Orders NMA to examine his health status, state of DSS Medical facility
The Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, has rejected the no-case submission of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in his on-going alleged terrorism trial.
In a ruling, Justice James Kolawole Omotosho, held that the prosecution had established a case against Kanu to warrant that he be ordered to enter his defence.
The judge, while dismissed Kanu’s no-case submission, found that the evidence led by the prosecution and the exhibits it tendered, have raised serious allegations of Kanu’s involvement in terrorism activities, to warrant that Kanu be allowed to defend himself.
The court noted the evidence and exhibits and the need for him to demonstrate and lead evidence on his allegations of an extraordinary rendition required that the defendant is given the opportunity and afforded his fundamental rights to fair hearing to be allowed to enter his defence.
Recall that Kanu is facing prosecution by the DSS on a seven-count charge bordering of his alleged involvement in terrorism activities.
Meanwhile, the court ordered the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to set up a team of between eight and 10 members to determine the fitness of Nnamdi Kanu to stand trial.
Justice Omotosho asked the NMA to ascertain whether the health challenges claimed by Kanu could prevent him from further standing trial.
The Judge issued the order while ruling on an application by Kanu, seeking to be transferred to a private ward at the National Hospital for urgent medical attention for an alleged life-threatening illness.
The Judge equally asked NMA to ascertain the status of the DSS Medical facility to continue to treat Kanu’s claimed ailments.
The MNA was given 10 days to submit its findings to the court.