The Department of State Services has refuted allegations that it is holding the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, in solitary confinement.
Kanu, who faces a seven counts of terrorism and treasonable felony filed by the Federal Government, has been in DSS custody since 2021.
At the resumed hearing of the case on Wednesday, a DSS operative, identified as PW-BBB for security reasons, testified before Justice James Omotoso of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Under cross-examination by Kanu’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), the operative stated: “Solitary confinement is not a practice of the DSS.”
Agabi had raised concerns over Kanu’s prolonged detention, alleging solitary confinement and “cruel and inhuman treatment.” The witness, however, clarified that he was only an investigator and not Kanu’s “handler.”
When pressed further, the operative said he could not comment on Kanu’s psychological state, as it fell outside his investigative duties. He also admitted he was not involved in drafting the charges against Kanu and could not recall how many times the charges had been amended.
The court admitted into evidence the medical report and death certificate of Ahmed Gulak, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.
The prosecution alleged that Gulak was murdered in Imo State on May 30, 2021, following a broadcast by Kanu ordering his followers to deal with violators of a sit-at-home order.
Kanu’s legal team did not object to the admissibility of the documents, which included a police report linking Gulak’s death to suspected IPOB members.
Agabi challenged the credibility of a DSS video showing Kanu’s interrogation, noting that only Kanu and his legal team were visible in the footage. The witness maintained that the recording was complete and followed standard DSS procedures.
When asked if he wore a mask during the interrogation, the witness said he could not recall.
The proceedings were halted after Agabi requested an adjournment, citing pending documents from the police needed for the defence.
The prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), opposed the request, accusing the defence of deliberately delaying the trial. Awomolo stated that five more witnesses were ready to testify and lamented that the case had dragged on for ten years due to “needless applications.”
Justice Omotoso granted the adjournment in the interest of justice but cautioned against unnecessary delays.
The judge also addressed claims that the DSS had barred Kanu’s lawyers from seeing him. Agabi clarified that he had arrived earlier than the scheduled 2 pm visit time, dismissing the allegation.
Justice Omotoso rebuked Aloy Ejimakor, a member of Kanu’s legal team, for making unverified social media posts accusing the DSS of denying access. The judge warned against unprofessional conduct and urged lawyers to verify information before publicizing it.
The case was adjourned to May 21 for continuation.
In a related development, Igbo leaders condemned former presidential aide Reno Omokri for referring to Biafrans as “rebels.” They warned against inflammatory statements and urged political leaders to protect the dignity of the Igbo people.
“Nobody has the right to do that,” the leaders stated, recalling the Federal Government’s post-war declaration of “no victor, no vanquished.”
They cautioned political officeholders against tolerating insults against Ndigbo, warning that such rhetoric could undermine national unity.
The case continues as tensions remain high over Kanu’s detention and the broader implications for Nigeria’s legal and political landscape.