- Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, has a gastrointestinal disorder that has worsened his health. This was disclosed on Monday by his Lawyer, a human rights activist Ifeanyi Ejiofor.
He claims that despite Justice Binta Nyako of a Federal High Court in Abuja ordering that the IPOB leader receive serious medical attention, the Department of State Services has been acting in the opposite manner.
Kanu has been held in DSS custody for about 14 months, and he is currently being tried in court on suspicion of treason.
After paying Kanu a visit while he was being held by the DSS in Abuja, Ejiofor issued a statement voicing his concerns.
While stating that court orders must be followed, especially in cases where the order has not been overturned, he added that the DSS is a product of the law and should not be perceived as trying to counter the laws of the nation that created it.
He said, “Presently, Onyendu is experiencing gastrointestinal disorder, which requires regular intake of antacid and other availing medical solutions, following persistent heartburn. Unfortunately, the DSS have denied him the least of the prescribed pain killer tablet that could provide momentary relief.
“Following this development, our erudite lead counsel, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) has immediately swung into action to ensure immediate end to this maltreatment and impunity. Nevertheless, we still deem it compelling to place the world on notice, that should anything untoward happen to Onyendu, the DSS and the Federal Government of Nigeria should be held responsible.
“Highlight of the visit was to review other pending litigations initiated against the Federal Republic of Nigeria for their grave violation of international laws and treaties in their criminal abduction and extraordinary rendition of Onyendu, sanctions and reparation arising from this act of state terrorism.
“The visit also afforded us the opportunity to review the overall welfare of Onyendu, as well as the level of the DSS compliance with existing court order in the management of Onyendu’s health condition.
“For the records, it is pertinent to reiterate that for the umpteenth time, the lawless DSS have continued to treat with greatest contempt/disdain, the existing court order, which specifically directed that Onyendu should be allowed access to his personal medical doctor for an independent review/investigation of his current health status. This is following the continued depletion of his potassium level.
“Regrettably, this court order is gravely flouted with impunity by the DSS, as efforts made by Onyendu’s personal doctor to see him at the DSS facility where Onyendu is currently being detained was rebuffed/rejected by the DSS. Enough is enough for this seemingly impunity!”
Additionally, Kanu expressed his love and gratitude to all of his supporters for holding the fort resolutely and tenaciously.
Even in the face of endless provocations, Ejiofor praised them for their uncommon civility and urged them to keep it up while firmly believing that God’s grace “is leading us towards overwhelming victory, which is no longer far fetched.”
