A fresh legal battle has opened in Abuja after alleged medical report forgery: Nnamdi Kanu sues NMA, seeks N50bn in damages over claims that the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) submitted a falsified medical report during his trial at the Federal High Court. The detained IPOB leader filed the suit before the Abuja High Court, insisting that the NMA and its representatives violated a court order and misled the judiciary with a fabricated report that was never based on any physical medical examination.
Kanu’s legal team, led by Maxwell Opara, submitted the suit marked CV/4584/25, in which the IPOB leader is asking the court to hold the NMA, its President Dr Bala Audi, and several medical practitioners liable for negligence, professional misconduct, and conspiracy to obstruct justice. The listed defendants include Dr Benjamin Egbon, Prof. Emem Abraham, Dr Ajibare Adeola, Dr Temitope Farombi, Dr Sunday Owolade, Dr Mustapha Salihu, Dr Yarima Yusuf, Dr Nwosu Ekeoma, and Dr Benjamin Olowojebutu.
According to the suit, the medical team allegedly failed to comply with a specific directive of the Federal High Court that required them to personally assess Kanu and provide an independent medical report on his health status and fitness to stand trial. Kanu argues that not only did the defendants ignore this order, but they also went ahead to submit a forged report dated September 23, which was tendered before Justice James Omotosho.
Kanu Accuses NMA of Negligence, Malice, and Perverting Justice
In his statement of claim, Kanu asserted that no physical medical evaluation was ever carried out on him, despite the court’s instructions. He explained that the medical report he originally submitted in his ongoing trial highlighted serious deterioration in his health and supported his request for bail or improved medical treatment. When prosecutors challenged the authenticity of that initial report, the trial judge ordered the NMA to assemble an independent panel to examine him.
However, Kanu states that the panel never visited him, never conducted interviews, and never performed any form of medical assessment. He says he was shocked when a report purportedly produced by the NMA panel was presented to the court even though no interaction ever took place.
The IPOB leader accuses the defendants of professional misconduct, reckless disregard for medical ethics, and deliberate acts intended to discredit his health condition. He claims the fabricated report misled the trial court and worsened his medical condition by depriving him of necessary care while in detention.
Kanu Seeks Financial Damages and Independent Re-Examination
Kanu is asking the court to declare the September 23 medical report false, invalid, and issued in violation of professional standards. He also wants a declaration that submitting such a report amounted to a breach of his constitutional rights, including his right to dignity and fair hearing under Sections 34 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution.
The reliefs sought in the suit include:
- Withdrawal and public retraction of the disputed medical report
- A perpetual injunction restraining the NMA and its representatives from issuing false medical reports about him
- An order compelling the NMA to conduct a proper and independent medical examination by specialists unconnected with the defendants
- N50 billion in general damages for harm caused to his health, reputation, and emotional wellbeing
- N500 million in exemplary damages for alleged malicious fabrication and misuse of professional authority
- N15 million as cost of filing the suit
Kanu argues that the defendants’ actions amounted to perjury, abuse of professional authority, and deliberate attempts to undermine the course of justice. He maintains that the false report influenced the court’s perception of his actual medical condition, leaving him exposed to further health deterioration.
Court to Determine Whether NMA Violated Orders
The case raises serious questions about the conduct of medical experts in judicial proceedings and the extent to which professional bodies must comply with court directives. If the court rules in Kanu’s favour, it could trigger wide-ranging implications for medical practitioners involved in legal processes and for the NMA as an institution.
The Abuja High Court is expected to fix a date for hearing, where the NMA and all listed defendants will be required to respond to the allegations and justify the authenticity of their medical report.
