Separatist Leader Might Die in Custody
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Lead counsel for jailed Nigerian separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu tells Supreme Court that his client will die if he remains in state security custody
Mike Ozekhome head counsel for Nnamdi Kanu the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) told Supreme Court judges, Thursday that his client will die in the custody of the Department of State Security (DSS).
Mike Ozekhome
Ozekhome, briefed the top court that Kanu’s health issues have deteriorated and he needs a surgical operation.
Kanu’s counsel pleaded with the court to rule in favour of the transfer of Kanu from DSS custody to Kuje correctional centre so that he can begin treatment for an undisclosed ailment.
“My Lords, Nnamdi Kanu is sick, he has been approved for surgery but they have refused to release him for treatment,” Ozekhome was quoted 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 added.
“He’s getting really sick, I’m scared he may die in the custody of DSS. Dead bodies are not prosecuted.”
In response the Supreme Court responded that God will keep Kanu alive and that he will not die in detention.
The court also 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.
It added that the court will hear all the motions in the case on the resumption of hearing on September 14.
Another counsel for the embattled separatist leader, Aloy Ejimakor accused the apex court of siding with the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) by adjourning the case till September 14. The adjournment was to allow the executive arm file additional charges.
This is “legally injurious” he said after the hearing. “The reason for the adjournment is that the Court granted the application of the AGF to file additional processes in response to Nnamdi Kanu’s latest filing which was done on Tuesday this week.”
Kanu has been in DSS custody since June 2021 after his rendition from Kenya.
Akowe with reports from Abuja
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