“Nnamdi Kanu Is Very Sick, He Might Die In DSS Custody” – Ozekhome Tells Supreme Court

A constitutional lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), has expressed fear over the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Ozekhome, who is Kanu’s senior counsel, spoke on Thursday when the Supreme Court adjourned the IPOB leader’s appeal until September 14, 2023.

KanyiDaily recalls that on November 3, Kanu had filed a suit to appeal the verdict of the Appeal Court stopping his release from the DSS custody.

The IPOB leader appealed against the Oct. 28, 2022 decision of the appellate court, which stayed the execution of its earlier order acquitting him of all charges and directing his release from the custody of the secret police.

During the court proceedings on Thursday, May 11, 2023, Ozekhome told the supreme court that he is scared that the IPOB leader might die in DSS custody because he is very sick and requires a surgical operation.

The lawyer asked the court to rule in favour of the transfer of Kanu from DSS custody to Kuje correctional centre so that he can begin treatment.

“My Lords, Nnamdi Kanu is sick, he has been approved for surgery but they have refused to release him for treatment,” BBC News Pidgin quoted Mike Ozekhome as saying.

“We are pleading for him to be transferred from DSS custody to Kuje correctional centre so that he can begin treatment like others.

“He’s getting really sick, I’m scared he may die in the custody of DSS. Dead bodies are not prosecuted.”

Reacting to Ozekhome’s plea, the supreme court said God will keep the IPOB leader alive and that he will not die in detention.

The court said even if it proceeds to hear the appeal, there is no space within its calendar to write and deliver the verdict within the 90-day deadline.

“Nnamdi Kanu will not die in detention. God will keep him alive and his blood won’t be in your hands,” the court said.

The apex court added that the court will hear all the motions in the case on the resumption of hearing on September 14.

KanyiDaily recalls that IPOB had also accused DSS of covering up Nnamdi Kanu’s health condition, stressing that the agitator is suffering from nutrient deficiency and heart ailments in detention.