The Nigerian Medical Association has begun preparing its defence in the N50bn lawsuit filed against it by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, confirmed to DAILY GAZETTE that the association’s legal team had already commenced work on the formal response to the suit.
“Our response is with our lawyer,” Audu briefly stated.
Kanu, who is serving a life sentence following his conviction on terrorism-related charges, had raised alarm during his trial before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, alleging that his health had deteriorated while in the custody of the Department of State Services.
He cited medical reports indicating liver and pancreatic complications, the presence of a lump under his armpit, and critically low potassium levels.
Kanu insisted that the DSS medical facilities were inadequate to manage his condition and sought access to the National Hospital.
The prosecution, however, disputed his claims, arguing that his health challenges were not as severe as portrayed and could be properly handled by DSS medics.
Following the conflicting positions, Justice Omotosho directed the NMA to set up an independent medical panel to assess Kanu’s condition.
The panel’s report, read in open court, downplayed the seriousness of his health concerns and declared him fit to stand trial.
Unconvinced, Kanu, through his former counsel-turned-consultant, Maxwell Opara, instituted a N50bn suit against the NMA, its president, and members of the medical panel.
The panel members listed in the suit include Benjamin Egbon, Emem Abraham, Ajibare Adeola, Temitope Farombi, Sunday Samson Owolade, Mustaoha Said Salihu, Yarima Suleiman Yusuf, Nwosu Ekeoma, and Benjamin Oluwatosin Olowojebutu.
Kanu alleges that neither the NMA president nor the panel visited, interviewed, or medically examined him as ordered by the court.
Instead, he claims the association “forged, prepared and submitted a false medical report dated September 23, 2025.”
He accuses the defendants of professional misconduct, perjury, and deliberate misrepresentation with the intention of misleading the court.
According to the suit, the allegedly falsified report led to his continued detention, denial of adequate medical care, and further deterioration of his health.
Kanu is seeking multiple reliefs, including:
– A declaration that the defendants violated his rights to fair hearing and human dignity under Sections 34 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution.
– An order compelling the withdrawal and retraction of the disputed report.
– An injunction preventing the issuance of any false or unverified medical report about him.
– A directive for a fresh, independent medical examination by specialists unaffiliated with the defendants.
– N50bn in general damages and an additional N500m in exemplary damages for alleged malice and abuse of authority.
The case is expected to move forward once the NMA formally submits its defence, which, according to the association’s president, will commence soon.
