By Jude Michael
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has alleged that the Department of State Services (DSS) has been denying its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the opportunity to receive visitors, while being detained in their facility.
The group which had earlier stated that the health of its leader was fast deteriorating, and that they feared for his life, also added that the recent denial by DSS was suspicious.
In a press release by the group’s spokesperson, Mr Emma Powerful, the group raised alarm over the denial, alleging that visitors to Kanu faced harassment by DSS officials in Abuja.
The release read: ‘On Thursday, the 9th of November, 2023, DSS refused to allow Mazi Nnamdi Kanu access to his visitors on a flimsy excuse.
‘Our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, must not be taken for granted. His health and welfare must be given utmost attention. He must be given unfettered access to his choice guests and visitors weekly, not selectively in line with court orders.
‘The Nigeria government must do well to release him based on the subsisting Appeal Court orders if they lack logistics to manage his visitors.’
IPOB said the reason DSS gave for denying Kanu access to his visitors was the Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi governorship election, where they claimed that they had shortage of manpower.
‘The claim of not having enough personnel to handle the logistics for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s visitors because of Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi States elections by Abuja DSS as a reason for denying Mazi Nnamdi Kanu access to his weekly visitors is ridiculously laughable.
‘During the general elections of presidential, governorship, national assembly, and state assembly, our leader was allowed visitors to visit him at DSS solitary confinement and detention facility. So why should DSS deprive Mazi Nnamdi Kanu of visitors because of Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa States governorship elections?
‘This is a calculated attempt to torture and make things difficult for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The DSS’s excuse of denying our leader visitors as ordered by the court is suspicious.
‘We, therefore warn DSS to be careful in handling the issues of our leader. We do not expect any excuses or selective visitors for our leader, going forward,’ the group said.
