The matter began when IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu filed a ₦50bn suit against the Nigerian Medical Association and the medical team that reviewed his health. The case was filed at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, where Kanu accused the panel of presenting a report that did not reflect his true medical condition while he remained in the custody of the Department of State Services. He claimed that the document wrongly stated that he was fit to face trial, even though he had raised concerns about liver problems, pancreatic issues, a lump under his arm and very low potassium levels.
The situation followed an earlier order issued in September by Justice James Omotosho, who directed the NMA to set up a panel to examine Kanu after he complained that his health was getting worse. He also requested that he be moved to the National Hospital for proper medical care. Despite this directive, Kanu’s lawyers said the review that came in October did not involve any direct medical examination by the panel members. They argued that the report used to certify him fit for trial was created without a proper evaluation.
Kanu accused the panel of professional misconduct and claimed that their findings were false. This led him to seek a fresh medical review by experts who are not linked to the earlier team. He also wants the court to order the NMA to withdraw the report and stop using any medical document that did not come from a real physical examination.
In the suit, Kanu is asking for ₦50bn as compensation for the harm he said he suffered, explaining that the report caused him physical and emotional distress and damaged his reputation. He is also seeking an extra ₦500m as exemplary damages, saying the panel acted with malicious intent. His legal team insisted that the false report put him at more risk because it denied him the medical attention he needed.
The lawsuit has added new tension to Kanu’s long-running legal battle, as he continues to challenge the conditions under which he is being held and treated.