David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has alleged that the Department of State Services (DSS) has been denying its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the opportunity to receive visitors while being detained in their facility.
The group, which had earlier stated that the health of its leader was fast deteriorating and that they feared for his life, also added that the recent denial by DSS was suspicious.
In a statement issued by the group’s spokesperson, Mr. Emma Powerful, the group raised the alarm over the denial, saying Kanu’s visitors face harassment by DSS officials in Abuja.
The statement read: “On November 9, 2023, DSS refused to allow Mazi Nnamdi Kanu access to his visitors on a flimsy excuse.
“Our leader, Kanu, must not be taken for granted. His health and welfare must be given the utmost attention. He must be given unfettered access to his choice guests and visitors weekly not selectively, in line with court orders.
“The Nigeria Government must do well to release him based on the subsisting Appeal Court orders if they lack logistics to manage his visitors.”
IPOB said the reason the DSS gave for denying Kanu access to his visitors was the Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi States governorship elections, where they claimed that they had a shortage of manpower.
IPOB said: “The claim of not having sufficient personnel to handle the logistics for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s visitors because of Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi States elections by Abuja DSS as a reason for denying Mazi Nnamdi Kanu access to his weekly visitors is ridiculously laughable.
“During the general election, our leader was allowed visitors at DSS solitary confinement and detention facility. So why should DSS deprive Kanu of visitors because of Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa States’ governorship elections?
“This is a calculated attempt to torture and make things difficult for Kanu. The DSS’s excuse of denying our leader visitors as ordered by the court is suspicious.
“We, therefore, warn DSS to be careful in handling the issues of our leader. We do not expect any excuses or selective visitors for our leader going forward.”
