A medical panel led by the Nigerian Medical Association has cleared IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu to stand trial, ruling his health issues non-life-threatening and paving the way for his defense to commence next week in a case that has gripped Nigeria's separatist tensions.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja accepted the panel's October 13 report Thursday, dismissing conflicting expert opinions and granting Kanu's team six consecutive days from October 23 to present and wrap up their case. The ruling followed an NMA-led examination ordered amid defense claims of deteriorating health under DSS custody, which the prosecution contested as exaggerated.

The panel, comprising specialists from the National Hospital, Abuja, concluded Kanu's ailments—heart-related and hypertensive—posed no immediate danger, affirming his courtroom readiness. "The defendant's condition is stable and not life-threatening," the report stated, read in open court by prosecution lead Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN). With no objections from lawyers, Omotosho moved swiftly, underscoring the trial's urgency after years of delays since Kanu's 2021 extraordinary rendition from Kenya.

In a win for the defense, Kanu Agabi (SAN) secured an oral application for a private pre-trial huddle with his client, to unfold in the courtroom on October 22 between 9 a.m. and noon—sans DSS eavesdropping fears. "We're afraid consultations could be recorded," Agabi argued, a nod to past access gripes. The judge approved, barring outsiders to ensure confidentiality.

Kanu, charged with treasonable felony and terrorism over IPOB's agitation for Biafran independence, has pleaded not guilty, decrying his arrest as unlawful. Supporters rally outside courts, viewing the case as state overreach, while authorities insist it's about national security amid southeast unrest.