The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has intervened in the ongoing dispute between the Department of State Services (DSS) medical team and private consultants over the health of separatist leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The umbrella body for Nigerian doctors has constituted a seven-member panel to investigate the conflicting medical opinions regarding Kanu’s condition.
At the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, lead counsel for the DSS, Asiwaju Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, disclosed that the expert panel had visited Kanu in DSS custody to assess his health. The DSS medical team, led by Dr. Mohammed Nasir, maintains that Kanu can be adequately treated within DSS facilities.
However, Kanu’s private doctors, led by Professor Martin Aghaji, a retired professor of medicine, insist that he requires urgent transfer to the National Hospital due to a deteriorating health condition. Professor Aghaji’s report also suggested some medical options abroad, raising suspicions from the DSS side.
Awomolo described the private doctors’ report as exaggerated and questioned its credibility, noting that DSS medical personnel had not been involved in the tests cited. He further alleged that Professor Aghaji had unilaterally altered Kanu’s medications, potentially undermining the four years of care provided by DSS doctors.
Kanu’s lead counsel, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, argued that the transfer is necessary to preserve Kanu’s health and enable him to face the terrorism charges against him. He stated that the move would not pose any security risks.
Awomolo, SAN, countered that moving Kanu to the National Hospital could disrupt services for thousands of patients and emphasized that the federal government remains committed to ensuring Kanu’s safety while allowing him access to medical personnel of his choice within DSS facilities.
Justice James Omotosho has reserved ruling on the matter and is expected to deliver a verdict later today.
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