Kanu’s Family Alleges DSS Obstruction, Warns IPOB Leader May Miss Court Appearance

The family of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), raised an alarm on Thursday evening, warning that the agitator may be unable to appear in court for his terrorism trial on Friday due as a direct result of alleged obstruction by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Dependable NG reports that in a statement signed by Prince Emmanuel Kanu, the family alleged that the DSS is deliberately preventing Kanu from adequately preparing his defense for the upcoming court date. The family claimed that the security agency has refused to grant Kanu proper access to his lawyers, family members, and key witnesses in the days leading up to the hearing.

The family warned that if Kanu is absent in court, it would not be a choice made by the IPOB leader himself, but a consequence of the actions taken by the DSS. The statement specifically alleged that the DSS has made it nearly impossible for Kanu to file necessary court documents, refused to take him to the court registry to submit processes for his defense, and has been recording his meetings with his legal team and family members instead of allowing private and free discussion as required by law.

“Because of these actions, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu may not be able to appear in court on Friday, not because he does not want to, but because he has been denied the chance to get ready and defend himself,” the family stated. They further stressed that these actions violate the Nigerian Constitution and his basic human rights, arguing that the DSS is blocking Kanu’s right to a fair hearing and making it difficult for him to defend himself so that the case can be decided against him. The family urged the international community, including the UN, AU, and human rights groups, to pay close attention, concluding that the Nigerian government cannot claim to follow the rule of law while silencing a defendant and blocking his right to a fair hearing.