Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has adjourned the trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on alleged terrorism charges to 16 October.

The adjournment followed the inability of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to submit its report on Kanu’s health status to the court.

At the previous sitting, Justice Omotosho had directed the NMA President to constitute a panel of medical experts to assess Kanu’s deteriorating health condition. The panel was to determine whether the medical facility at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters was adequate for his care or if he should be transferred to a private ward at the National Hospital.

The court also mandated the medical board to ascertain whether Kanu was fit to continue standing trial.

At Wednesday’s proceedings, counsel to the Federal Government, Suraj S’aad, informed the court that the NMA’s medical board had yet to finalise its findings and therefore could not present its report. He requested a one-week adjournment to allow the board complete its work.

As there was no objection from the defence, Justice Omotosho granted the application and fixed 16 October for submission of the report.

Kanu is facing a seven-count charge bordering on alleged involvement in terrorism. On 26 September, the court dismissed his no-case submission, ruling that the prosecution had established a prima facie case requiring him to enter his defence.

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho held that the prosecution’s evidence and exhibits presented serious allegations that warranted Kanu being given the opportunity to respond and exercise his right to fair hearing.