TROUBLE For Nnamdi Kanu As DSS Allegedly Takes Unexpected Action Against Him Days After Judge’s Withdrawal; See Details
The legal battle surrounding the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has taken another dramatic turn as the Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly barred Kanu’ s legal team from accessing him. This development follows the decision of Justice Binta Nyako to withdraw from the case after Kanu expressed a lack of confidence in her court.
Nnamdi Kanu, who is facing terrorism- related charges at a Federal High Court in Abuja, stunned the courtroom earlier this week when he demanded that Justice Binta Nyako step aside from presiding over his case. Kanu, through his legal counsel, argued that he no longer believed he would receive a fair trial under Nyako’ s supervision, leading to his formal request for her to withdraw.
Justice Nyako, who had been handling Kanu’ s case for several years, granted his request. She subsequently recused herself and remitted the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment. The judge’ s decision to step down added yet another layer of complexity to the already controversial legal proceedings surrounding the IPOB leader.
The withdrawal of Justice Nyako was followed by what Kanu’ s legal team has described as retaliatory actions by the DSS. Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, the lead counsel representing Nnamdi Kanu, took to social media to express his frustration and concerns about the situation. According to Ejimakor, the DSS has blocked all future visitations by Kanu’ s legal team, effectively isolating the IPOB leader.
Ejimakor revealed that Kanu’ s legal team was prevented from meeting with him on Friday, despite court orders permitting such visitations. ” Today, the DSS obstructed Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’ s legal team from meeting him at the detention facility, disregarding existing court orders and the constitution, ” Ejimakor wrote via his X (formerly Twitter) handle. He added that this appears to be a punitive measure aimed at Kanu, allegedly as a consequence of the embarrassment caused by his request for Justice Nyako to withdraw.
Allegations Of Persecution
Nnamdi Kanu’ s Health Concerns
Another major issue that has come to the forefront is Kanu’ s health. His lawyers have repeatedly raised concerns about his deteriorating health condition while in DSS custody. Ejimakor and other members of Kanu’ s legal team have argued that the IPOB leader is not receiving adequate medical care, and the prolonged solitary confinement is exacerbating his condition.
Kanu has been in the custody of the DSS since June 2021, following his controversial arrest and extradition from Kenya. His detention has sparked widespread protests from IPOB supporters, particularly in Nigeria’ s southeastern region. His supporters argue that his incarceration is unjust and demand his immediate release, while the Nigerian government maintains that Kanu must answer for his alleged role in inciting violence through IPOB’ s activities.
