DSS Explains Rationale Behind Denying Nnamdi Kanu Legal Representation

DSS Explains Rationale Behind Denying Nnamdi Kanu Legal Representation
Details have emerged regarding the ongoing denial of lawyer access to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who faces terrorism charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Kanu has been in detention since June 2021, following his controversial repatriation from Kenya.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

His legal team has consistently claimed that the Department of State Services (DSS) is obstructing their access. On October 17, the court issued a warning to DSS Director-General Adeola Ajayi, threatening jail time if the denial of access continues. In a subsequent hearing, the court summoned Ajayi to explain the rationale behind the ongoing restrictions, reportedly stemming from orders by the SSS leadership.

Judge Binta Nyako had previously ordered that Kanu be allowed to receive visitors three days a week—Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—in a secure and clean room, accommodating up to five lawyers for trial preparation. Court documents obtained by Premium Times outlined the conditions for access, ensuring the legal team had adequate space and the ability to take notes.

However, unnamed DSS officials contend that the court order permits access solely for trial preparation, which they claim is currently on hold. A source familiar with the case indicated that Kanu’s request for Justice Nyako’s recusal had temporarily stalled proceedings. Although Justice Nyako has resumed oversight of the case, no trial date has been set, prompting the DSS to assert that access is warranted only when the trial resumes.

Kanu’s lawyer, Nnaemeka Ejiofor, criticized the DSS’s position as “childish,” emphasizing that a court order remains valid unless overridden by another order. He argued that the DSS cannot limit visitation when a court directive is in effect, questioning the rationale of preparing for trial only once it officially begins.

Ejiofor further asserted that if the DSS maintains the court order expired with Justice Nyako’s recusal, then Kanu’s detention should also be deemed invalid. He stated, “This implies that Nnamdi Kanu has no justification for being in DSS custody, making his detention illegal.

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