ABUJA — The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied claims that it is keeping Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in solitary confinement.
During the resumed hearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja, a DSS operative—identified only as PW-BBB for security reasons—testified in court, asserting that “solitary confinement is not a practice of the DSS.” The testimony was in response to cross-examination by Kanu’s legal team led by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, who alleged that Kanu’s prolonged detention equated to cruel and inhuman treatment.
While the witness admitted he was not Kanu’s direct handler, he maintained his role as an investigator and said he could not speak to Kanu’s psychological state or the specifics of his detention conditions. He also distanced himself from the drafting and revisions of the charges against Kanu, focusing solely on his investigative responsibilities.
As the hearing progressed, the court admitted into evidence a medical report and death certificate of Mr. Ahmed Gulak, a former presidential aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan. The prosecution alleged Gulak was murdered in Imo State on May 30, 2021, following a broadcast in which Kanu reportedly ordered a sit-at-home protest.
Additional evidence presented included a police report linking Gulak’s death to gunmen suspected to be IPOB members. Kanu’s defense did not object to the documents but challenged the credibility of a video shown in court, which only displayed the defendant and his legal team. The DSS operative insisted that the footage shown was the complete and standard interrogation procedure.
The court granted an adjournment to May 21 after Kanu’s legal team said it was awaiting critical documents from the police. Although the prosecution objected, alleging delay tactics, Justice James Omotosho agreed to the adjournment in the interest of justice.
Justice Omotosho also addressed recent accusations by Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, who had claimed on social media that the DSS denied them access to the defendant. However, Agabi, SAN, clarified in court that he had arrived earlier than the scheduled time, which may have caused the confusion. The judge cautioned Ejimakor against making unverified public statements and advised all legal counsel to maintain professionalism in public commentary.
Separately, tensions flared following a controversial remark by Reno Omokri, who referred to Biafrans as “rebels.” The statement drew condemnation from Igbo groups who argued that such comments insult the entire Igbo ethnic group and undermine the post-war unity message of “no victor, no vanquish” declared by the Federal Government.
They further criticized any potential political appointments for Omokri, describing him as unfit for national responsibility and urging the National Assembly and political leaders of Igbo extraction to speak out against such inflammatory rhetoric.
