In a decisive ruling, the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the fundamental rights suit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Federal Government. Justice James Omotosho ruled that the suit lacked merit, stating that Kanu failed to provide sufficient evidence to support his claims of rights violations.
Kanu’s legal representative, Aloy Ejimako, expressed intentions to appeal the decision. The case, marked FHC/CS/1633/2023, involved allegations against the Department of State Services (DSS) and its Director General. Kanu contended that his right to a fair hearing was compromised as the DSS allegedly obstructed his lawyers from having unrestricted interactions with him in preparation for his treason trial. He claimed that DSS officials eavesdropped on confidential conversations with his legal team and prevented note-taking during pre-trial meetings, which he argued constituted a breach of his rights.
Kanu sought a court declaration that the DSS’s actions, including the seizure and photocopying of confidential legal documents, amounted to a denial of his right to legal defence. However, Justice Omotosho concluded that Kanu’s claims were unsubstantiated, resulting in the dismissal of the suit.
Nnamdi Kanu has been embroiled in legal battles since his 2015 arrest for his secessionist activities. After being granted bail, he fled Nigeria in 2017 but was subsequently rearrested in Kenya and repatriated in 2021. Since then, he has remained in DSS detention, continuing to challenge his treatment and the legality of his detention.
This latest court decision marks a significant setback for Kanu and the IPOB, as they continue to navigate the complexities of Nigeria’s legal and political landscape.
