claims DSS is preventing him from seeing visitors

In a recent turn of events, the family of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has raised serious allegations against the Department of State Services (DSS). According to the family, Nnamdi Kanu has been denied access to visitors, with the DSS citing deteriorating health as the reason. This development has sparked concerns and conversations surrounding the treatment of individuals in custody, especially those with high-profile cases.

The Department of State Services, a Nigerian security agency, is responsible for intelligence gathering within the country. Nnamdi Kanu, a prominent figure advocating for the independence of Biafra, has been in the custody of the DSS for some time. However, the recent accusation by Kanu’s family raises questions about the conditions of his confinement.

The family alleges that the DSS has prohibited any visitors from seeing Nnamdi Kanu, citing concerns about his deteriorating health. Such restrictions on visitation rights not only impact Kanu’s emotional well-being but also raise broader concerns about transparency and the treatment of detainees.

The claim of Nnamdi Kanu’s deteriorating health adds another layer of complexity to an already controversial situation. Health is a fundamental human right, and any denial of medical attention or access to loved ones during times of illness is a matter of great concern. In custody, the responsibility falls on the detaining authority to ensure the well-being of the individual.

The family’s assertion that Kanu’s health is declining raises questions about the adequacy of medical care within the facility where he is held. It prompts a closer examination of the standards and practices employed by the DSS in safeguarding the health of detainees, especially those with pre-existing conditions.

The family of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has accused the Department of State Services, DSS, of barring him from visitors.

Kanu’s brother, Emmanuel Kanu, claimed that the DSS denied the IPOB leader access to visitors to prevent them from knowing the current status of “his deteriorating health condition”.

The IPOB leader has been languishing in DSS custody in Abuja despite courts ordering his release.

DSS had locked up the IPOB leader following his rearrest in Kenya and subsequent extraordinary rendition to Nigeria in June 2021.

Following his return, an Abuja Federal High Court ordered the secret police to allow the Biafra agitator access to family members and lawyers twice a week.

However, Emmanuel lamented that the secret police have refused to allow Kanu access to visitors.

According to Emmanuel, the action of the DSS was suspicious.

“DSS is stopping my brother’s visitors from seeing him, which is another flagrant disregard of a subsisting court order and their effort to conceal my brother’s deteriorating health condition.

“For me, DSS has become a private security company where the authority manages it as his personal family business. I’m yet to know why my brother is still currently in detention against court orders,” he told newsmen.

The allegations made by Nnamdi Kanu’s family regarding the denial of visitation rights due to his deteriorating health are alarming. This situation demands a thorough investigation into the treatment of detainees and the conditions under which they are held. As the story unfolds, it will continue to draw attention to issues of human rights, transparency, and the legal responsibilities of authorities in safeguarding the well-being of individuals in custody. The international community will likely keep a close eye on developments, emphasizing the importance of upholding fundamental rights even in contentious cases.