NMA Sets Up 7-Member Team to Assess Nnamdi Kanu’s Health

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has intervened in the ongoing medical dispute between the Department of State Services (DSS) and private medical consultants appointed by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), over his current health status.

A seven-member expert panel has been set up by the NMA to independently assess Kanu’s medical condition and resolve the disagreements between the DSS medical team and Kanu’s consultants.

This development was disclosed on Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja by Asiwaju Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, lead counsel to the DSS, who was opposing a motion seeking Kanu’s transfer to the National Hospital for urgent medical care.

Awomolo stated that the NMA panel has already visited Kanu in custody, noting that their report is being awaited. According to him, the DSS medical team, led by Dr. Mohammed Nasir, believes Kanu’s condition can be managed within their facility. In contrast, Professor Martin Aghaji, a retired professor of medicine and head of Kanu’s private consultants, insists that his client’s deteriorating condition requires more advanced care at the National Hospital.

Awomolo cast doubt on Aghaji’s report, describing it as exaggerated and potentially biased. He noted that the report referenced American hospitals and that Aghaji allegedly excluded DSS medical personnel during the evaluations, even changing Kanu’s medications without consultation — a move the DSS considers dangerous and unethical.

Opposing the transfer request, Awomolo warned that relocating Kanu would disrupt operations at the National Hospital and pose security risks. He insisted that Kanu could access any doctor of his choice within DSS custody, which he argued remains the safest and most secure location.

Kanu’s lead counsel, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, maintained that his client’s health challenges exceed the DSS’s capabilities and that his legal team would only accept the NMA’s involvement if it is sanctioned by a court order. He stressed the urgency of Kanu’s condition and argued that preserving his life is essential to ensure he can stand trial.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice James Omotosho reserved ruling on the application for later today.