The Abuja Federal High Court has issued a stern warning to Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), over his failure to comply with a court order granting Nnamdi Kanu’s legal team routine access to their client. Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been in DSS custody, but his lawyers have reportedly been blocked from meeting with him.
In a Notice of Consequences issued by the court, the DSS boss was accused of disobeying its ruling, which allows Kanu’s lawyers to visit him on specified days. The notice, served by the court's registrar, warned that Ajayi could face contempt of court charges and potential imprisonment if he continues to deny Kanu’s legal team access.
Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu's lead counsel, confirmed the development in a statement, revealing that the court had issued a "Form 48," which outlines the consequences of disregarding a court order. The notice explicitly directs the DSS to permit Kanu’s lawyers to visit him on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, as previously ordered by the court.
Ejimakor warned that the legal team would initiate contempt proceedings if the DSS chief fails to comply. He stressed that this legal notice serves as a prelude to more severe consequences, as it highlights the penal risks of ignoring court orders.
The legal standoff comes after almost a month during which Kanu’s legal team has been denied access, despite the court’s directives. If the DSS Director General continues to block these visits, the legal battle could escalate, potentially leading to his imprisonment for contempt.
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