Breaking News: Lawyer Released After Nearly Three Years in DSS Custody, IPOB Members Still Missing

In a shocking development, a lawyer who traveled from Ebonyi State to Abuja in July 2021 to witness the trial of Nnamdi Kanu at the Federal High Court Abuja has been released after nearly three years in custody. The lawyer, along with 16 members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was abducted by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Lokoja, Kogi State, on their way back to Ebonyi State the same day.

The lawyer's release, just a few days ago, came after relentless intervention by the Nigerian Bar Association. However, the fate of the 16 IPOB members remains unknown, raising serious concerns about their well-being and the actions of the DSS.

Eyewitnesses and supporters were stunned by the lawyer’s appearance, noting a stark contrast between his condition now and when he was abducted. This alarming transformation has fueled fears that the missing IPOB members may have suffered severe mistreatment or worse during their prolonged disappearance.

"This is a grave injustice," a legal analyst commented. "The fact that a lawyer can be abducted and held without due process for nearly three years is a travesty. The continued disappearance of the IPOB members only compounds this injustice."

The legal community has expressed outrage and demanded a thorough investigation into the actions of the DSS. Advocacy groups are calling for immediate reforms to prevent such human rights violations, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in the operations of security agencies.

The Nigerian Bar Association, which played a crucial role in securing the lawyer’s release, continues to push for the whereabouts and safety of the missing IPOB members. The prolonged silence and lack of information from the DSS have only heightened public anxiety and distrust.

As this story unfolds, the legal community and human rights organizations remain vigilant, advocating for justice and the protection of fundamental rights. The lawyer’s harrowing experience serves as a grim reminder of the potential for abuse within the system and the urgent need for reform to safeguard the rights of all citizens.