The legal team representing Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), remains committed to visiting him, despite the Department of State Services (DSS) restricting his access to legal counsel. Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu’s lead lawyer, warned that continued obstruction by the DSS could lead to serious repercussions from the Abuja Federal High Court.
The DSS limited Kanu’s access following tensions at the court, where he requested that Justice Binta Nyako step down from his case. The court subsequently issued a warning, threatening to jail DSS Director-General Adeola Ajayi if Kanu’s lawyers are prevented from seeing him.
During an interview with Arise TV, Ejimakor stated that high-profile political figures, including Obi Agwoucha and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, have attempted to mediate and encourage a resolution. Ejimakor noted that he received informal updates suggesting that the DSS may ease restrictions, and he has submitted a list of attorneys approved to visit Kanu.
Ejimakor emphasized that under Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution, Kanu is entitled to legal representation, and his current detention at the DSS facility—intended as a temporary holding area—was inappropriate for his extended stay. Ejimakor argued that if the DSS insists on holding Kanu in its facility, it should adapt its regulations accordingly. Otherwise, the DSS risks judicial intervention for non-compliance with the court’s order.
