Daniel Otera
Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has launched a fresh legal battle against the Nigerian Medical Association, accusing its panel of issuing what he describes as a “false and fabricated” medical report that declared him fit to stand trial despite his claims of declining health in the custody of the Department of State Services.
The suit, filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, challenges the report submitted to the Federal High Court on October 16, where the panel set up by the NMA concluded that Kanu was medically stable. The medical team had carried out the assessment following an order by Justice James Omotosho, who directed the NMA president on September 26 to assemble experts to evaluate Kanu’s condition.
The court order came after Kanu complained of worsening health, citing a range of issues including liver and pancreatic concerns, a lump under his armpit and dangerously low potassium levels. His lawyers had argued that he required urgent treatment at the National Hospital, Abuja, instead of remaining in DSS custody.
The latest suit, however, alleges that the assessment never took place. Through lawyer Maxwell Opara, Kanu claims that neither the NMA president, Dr Bala Audi, nor any member of the committee visited or examined him as directed.
According to the filings, the IPOB leader insists the report submitted to Justice Omotosho was forged. He accuses the investigative panel members Benjamin Egbon, Emem Abraham, Ajibare Adeola, Temitope Farombi, Sunday Samson Owolade, Mustaoha Said Salihu, Yarima Suleiman Yusuf, Nwosu Ekeoma and Benjamin Oluwatosin Olowojebutu of professional misconduct and perjury.
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“Shockingly, the defendants purportedly forged, prepared and submitted a false medical report dated September 23, 2025, to Justice James Omotosho,” the suit states.
Kanu argues that the alleged falsehood misled the court into dismissing his genuine health concerns, thereby worsening his condition and denying him access to proper treatment or a chance at bail. He also claims the incident violated his constitutional right to dignity under section 34(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution.
He is asking the court to declare that the conduct of the NMA panel breached his rights to dignity and fair hearing. He is also seeking an order compelling the defendants to withdraw and publicly retract the report, along with a perpetual injunction stopping the publication or use of any unverified medical document concerning him.
The suit goes further to request a fresh, independent medical evaluation by specialists not connected to the disputed panel.
Kanu is demanding ₦50bn in general damages for injury to health, reputation and emotional distress, and an additional ₦500m as exemplary damages for what he describes as malicious fabrication and abuse of authority.