Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The family of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of deliberately preventing him from preparing his defence, warning that the development could force his absence from court on Friday.
The allegation was contained in a statement issued Thursday night by Prince Emmanuel Kanu, on behalf of the family.
According to the statement, the DSS has, in recent days, allegedly restricted Kanu’s access to his lawyers, family members, and key witnesses, thereby frustrating his efforts to file necessary court documents ahead of his scheduled appearance on November 7, 2025.
“In the last few days, the DSS has made it almost impossible for Mazi Kanu to have proper access to his lawyers, family members, and key witnesses. The DSS has also refused to allow him to file the court documents he needs for his case coming up on Friday,” the statement read in part.
The family said Kanu’s possible absence from court would not be due to his unwillingness to attend, but because “he has been denied the chance to get ready and defend himself.”
Outlining specific alleged infractions, the family accused the DSS of: preventing visits from his lawyers and relatives; recording his meetings with legal counsel instead of allowing private consultations; denying him access to a computer and printer for the preparation of court processes; and refusing to take him to the court registry to file his defence documents.
“These actions are against the Nigerian Constitution and basic human rights,” the family stated.
“Every accused person has the right to facilities to help them prepare adequately for their defence — but the DSS is stopping Mazi Kanu from doing so.”
The statement further described the DSS actions as “unfair, unlawful, and intentional,” alleging that the aim was to frustrate Kanu’s legal defence and tilt the case against him.
“If Mazi Nnamdi Kanu cannot appear in court or defend himself, the DSS and the Nigerian Government should be held responsible. They are frustrating him, ignoring court orders, and violating his rights,” the family warned.
The Kanu family also called on the international community — including the United Nations, African Union, European Union, and Commonwealth — as well as global human rights bodies to intervene and hold Nigeria accountable for what it described as “continued violation of Kanu’s right to a fair hearing.”
Efforts to obtain a response from the DSS were unsuccessful, as personnel contacted in Abia State declined comment.
