By Peter Omopo
The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has filed a N50bn lawsuit against the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), accusing the body of submitting a “false and fabricated” medical report that declared him fit to stand trial.
The suit, lodged at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, challenges the outcome of a medical assessment ordered by the Federal High Court on September 26, 2025.
Background to the Dispute
Justice James Omotosho had directed the NMA president to assemble a panel of medical experts to evaluate Kanu’s health after the IPOB leader applied to be transferred from Department of State Services (DSS) custody to the National Hospital, Abuja, for treatment.
Kanu, who is facing terrorism-related charges, had claimed his health had deteriorated significantly in detention. His complaints included suspected liver and pancreatic issues, a lump under his armpit, and dangerously low potassium levels.
However, the NMA panel’s report—submitted in court on October 16—concluded that he was medically fit to continue standing trial.
Kanu Rejects Report, Seeks Fresh Evaluation
Rejecting the findings, Kanu filed a fresh action through his former lawyer, Maxwell Opara, arguing that the medical team never visited or examined him.
He alleges that the report dated September 23, 2025, was “forged, fabricated, and submitted without any medical consultation,” amounting to perjury, professional misconduct, and a violation of his constitutional rights.
The defendants named in the suit include the NMA, its president Bala Audi, and all nine members of the original medical panel.
Allegations in the Court Filing
In the statement of claim, Kanu asserts that:
- The medical panel never met or examined him.
- The report misled the Federal High Court and resulted in his access to proper medical treatment and bail being denied.
- The alleged falsehood has worsened his health and caused emotional and psychological distress.
- The actions of the defendants violate Sections 34 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee human dignity and fair hearing.
He further argues that the report “discredited his genuine medical condition and subjected him to further suffering and risk of irreversible health damage.”
Reliefs Sought
Kanu is asking the court to:
- Declare the medical report invalid and unlawful.
- Order the NMA to withdraw and publicly retract it.
- Mandate a fresh, independent medical examination by specialists unconnected to the current panel.
- Restrain the defendants from issuing or relying on any unverified medical reports about him.
- Award N50bn in general damages and N500m in exemplary damages for alleged rights violations and reputational injury.
Context of Ongoing Legal Battles
Kanu remains in DSS custody while standing trial on terrorism-related charges. Several recent court applications—including one seeking to halt prosecution over repealed provisions of the Terrorism Act—are still pending.
The Federal High Court is expected to rule on some of these matters in the coming days.
