Tension Rises As Kanu’s Family Accuses DSS Of Sabotaging His Legal Preparation

The family of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of deliberately obstructing his preparation for his terrorism trial slated for Friday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement on Thursday signed by Prince Emmanuel Kanu, the family expressed concern that the IPOB leader might be unable to appear in court — not out of defiance, but because he has allegedly been denied the constitutional means to defend himself.

They alleged that the DSS has continued to frustrate Kanu’s access to his lawyers, family members, and vital witnesses essential to his legal defence.

“The DSS has made it nearly impossible for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to properly consult with his lawyers, family members, and key witnesses,” the statement read.

The family further claimed that the DSS has refused to permit Kanu to file necessary court documents ahead of the scheduled hearing on Friday, November 7, 2025, thereby undermining his legal rights.

“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu may not be able to appear in court on Friday — not because he refuses to, but because he has been denied the opportunity to adequately prepare for his defence,” the family stated.

They accused the DSS of engaging in practices that violate his right to a fair hearing, including:

• Denying him private meetings with his lawyers and family members while recording their discussions.

• Refusing him access to a computer and printer needed to prepare court documents.

• Blocking him from filing legal papers and preventing him from submitting them to the court registry.

According to the family, these actions not only breach the Nigerian Constitution but also contravene international human rights standards.

“What the DSS is doing is unjust, illegal, and deliberate. They are setting him up for failure by making it impossible for him to defend himself,” the statement added.

The family warned that if Kanu is unable to appear in court, the DSS and the Federal Government must be held accountable.

Appealing for international intervention, they called on global institutions — including the United Nations, African Union, European Union, Commonwealth, and human rights organizations — to closely monitor the situation.

“The Nigerian government cannot claim to uphold the rule of law abroad while suppressing fundamental rights at home,” the statement concluded.