Nnamdi Kanu's Legal Team Accuses DSS of Denying Access to Agitator

 

On Monday, Ifeanyi Ejimakor, the lead counsel for Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of obstructing access to Kanu by his legal team. This development raises concerns about Kanu’s well-being, as Ejimakor questioned whether he is safe given the DSS's latest actions.

Kanu previously stirred controversy during a court appearance on September 24, 2024, when he requested that Justice Binta Nyako recuse herself from his case, citing a lack of confidence in her ability to fairly adjudicate. Following his request, Justice Nyako announced her recusal and instructed that Kanu’s case file be sent to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho. However, Tsoho later rejected the recusal and directed Justice Nyako to continue overseeing the trial.

Despite this legal back-and-forth, Kanu's lawyers have faced significant challenges in gaining access to him at the DSS facility. Ejimakor stated, “Today (October 14, 2024), in violation of existing court orders, the State Security Services blocked the legal team of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from visiting him at its headquarters in Abuja during a routine check-in, as mandated by the court.”

He further noted that the DSS had denied any visitors access to Kanu since his last court appearance. Ejimakor expressed growing concerns that the DSS's actions were linked to Kanu’s earlier request for Justice Nyako's recusal, despite that recusal being later overturned.

The lawyer also mentioned past instances where the DSS failed to comply with court-ordered visitations, stating that despite applications filed to enforce compliance, they have yet to be scheduled for a hearing. He emphasized, “This situation gives the impression that the DSS operates above the law and the Constitution.”

Ejimakor underscored the importance of these visitations, which are intended to allow Kanu's family and lawyers to confirm his well-being. He concluded with a pointed question about Kanu's condition: “What is the DSS hiding? Is Mazi Nnamdi Kanu hale and hearty?”