The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu on Thursday began his medical examination in line with a court order.
Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court Abuja, had ordered the Department of State Services, DSS, to grant Nnamdi Kanu, access to his medical records.
The Court, on Thursday in his judgement, held that objections the security agency raised against Kanu’s request lacked merit. It added that Kanu is constitutionally entitled to have access to both the records he requested for and the medical doctors of his choice.
Justice Nyako held that the independent medical examination of Kanu by his personal physicians should be supervised by the DSS, with the entire process recorded and sealed for security purposes.
Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Esq, IPOB’s lead counsel in a statement signed on Thursday, said Kanu was profoundly excited by the news from the court and subsequently directed that his appreciation be conveyed to his indefatigable legal team, ably led by Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN.
He affirmed that Kanu’s medical examination had commenced in earnest, by the recommended team of medical experts, with the cardiologist surgeon and otolaryngologist from the best hospitals in Abuja, all duly recommended by Kanu's wife.
The statement reads in part, "We visited our indefatigable and formidable Client – Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu – today, being the 20th day of July 2023, at the SSS Headquarters, Abuja, where he is still being illegally and unconstitutionally held in a solitary confinement.
"Onyendu was specifically briefed on the Judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, where Justice Binta Nyako, this morning, delivered another landmark judgment on our Application for Order of Judicial Review.
"Onyendu was acquainted of the far-reaching Orders made by His Lordship today, in the landmark Judgment, wherein His Lordship directed the SSS to allow Onyendu access to Medical Doctors of his choice, who are to medically examine Onyendu outside the SSS facility without the influence of the SSS.
"The court further directed that all such examination(s) must be recorded. Furthermore, His Lordship directed the SSS to avail Onyendu with all his medical records.
"Onyendu was profoundly excited by the news of this superlative outing, and consequently, directed that his appreciation be conveyed to his indefatigable legal team, ably led by Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN.
"It is imperative to use this medium to inform Ezigbo UmuChineke that the Phase 1 of Onyendu’s medical examination has commenced in earnest, by the recommended team of Medical Experts, which Cardiologist Surgeon and Otolaryngologist are from the best hospitals in Abuja, all duly recommended by Onyendu’s adorable wife.
"We shall keep Ezigbo UmuChineke abreast of every development as they unfold.
"Onyendu is in total agreement that his indefatigable team is journeying towards a landslide victory, and believing the Almighty ChukwuOkike Abiama that the future is indeed bright.
"Important highlight on the legal fireworks that will ensue on 14th September, 2023 at the Supreme Court, during the Hearing on the long-awaited Appeal, were equally noted, though the details shall remain private."
"Onyendu thanked you all, Ezigbo UmuChineke for remaining resolute and relentlessly keeping your eyes on the ball. Also, Onyendu reminded you all, that your prayers and supplications is greatly impacting on these successive victories, even as he implores you all to continue to abide by your peaceful conduct as you have resolutely demonstrated," the statement added.