Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the human rights lawsuit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Federal Government. Kanu had sought ₦1 billion in damages, claiming the Department of State Services (DSS) and its director general violated his rights.
Kanu alleged that the DSS hindered his lawyers’ access to him, thus breaching his right to a fair hearing. However, Justice Omotosho ruled that Kanu failed to provide credible evidence supporting his claims of interference, denial of unhindered access to his lawyers, or eavesdropping by DSS officials.
Represented by lawyer Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu sued the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the DSS, and its director general, seeking eight reliefs. He requested declarations that his rights were violated by the DSS’s actions, including seizing and photocopying legal documents and preventing his counsel from taking notes during consultations.
Kanu also sought an injunction to prevent further acts of forcible seizure of his documents and demanded ₦1 billion in damages for mental, emotional, and psychological distress.
In response, the DSS denied all allegations. In a counter affidavit, Yamuje Benye, a staffer in the DSS legal department, argued that Kanu was provided with safe and secure custody, regular access to his family and lawyers, and was never detained in solitary confinement.
Benye stated that the DSS did not interfere with Kanu’s interactions with his legal team, nor did they seize any documents. He emphasized that all visits to Kanu were supervised as per standard procedures, ensuring no unauthorized materials were brought into the facility. Benye also noted that Justice Binta Nyako, who oversees Kanu’s criminal trial, has upheld the supervision of visits to maintain best practices.
In conclusion, Justice Omotosho found no merit in Kanu’s claims and dismissed the lawsuit, underscoring the lack of substantial evidence to support allegations of rights violations.
