Rita Odafe
Nnamdi Kanu
The legal team representing Nnamdi Kanu, head of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has raised alarm over restrictions placed on him by the Department of State Services (DSS). They claim that the DSS has barred all visitors, including lawyers, from seeing him.
According to the lawyers, this action contradicts existing court orders that allow for regular visitations.
Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, who serves as Kanu’s special counsel, reported on Monday that during a scheduled visit to the DSS office in Abuja, Kanu’s legal representatives were denied access to him.
This visit was meant to ensure Kanu’s well-being as part of a court-approved arrangement that allows family members and lawyers to check on him regularly.
“On 14th October 2024, the DSS unlawfully obstructed Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s legal team from meeting him,” Ejimakor stated.
“This is part of a disturbing trend, marking the sixth day without any visitor access since his last court hearing on 24th September 2024 when Kanu requested the disqualification of Justice Binta Nyako from his trial.”
Ejimakor pointed out that the restriction on visitations has followed Kanu’s legal request against Justice Nyako, although that request was later annulled by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The legal team has filed petitions in the Federal High Court seeking to enforce visitation rights, but they have not yet received a hearing date, which raises suspicions that the DSS might be acting beyond legal boundaries.
“The DSS appears to believe it is beyond legal scrutiny and operates outside the Constitution and judicial oversight,” Ejimakor noted.
“The visits mandated by the court are vital for confirming Mazi Kanu’s health and safety. With all access denied, we are left questioning: What is the DSS hiding? Is Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in good health?”
Kanu’s legal representatives are calling on the public and judicial authorities to intervene swiftly, stressing the need for transparency regarding his detention and treatment.
