DSS Blocks Kanu’s Lead Counsel Kanu Agabi From Meeting Him in Detention

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday blocked Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Kanu Agabi, who recently joined Nnamdi Kanu’s legal team as lead counsel, from meeting with the detained IPOB leader in custody.

The development was made public by Kanu’s Special Counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, who condemned the action and described it as a blatant interference with Kanu’s right to a fair trial. According to Ejimakor, the DSS had been formally notified in advance about the visit, including the names of the lawyers scheduled to meet with their client.

In a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Ejimakor stated, “The DSS needs to explain to Nigerians why it blocked Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN) from meeting with his client Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. They did this a few minutes ago and the High Chief has left the DSS facility, very upset. This is a flagrant interference with fair trial.”

Agabi joined the defence team in March 2025, alongside Uchenna Njoku (SAN), amid Kanu’s ongoing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Kanu was controversially extradited from Kenya in 2021 and has remained in DSS custody ever since.

He is facing a series of serious charges including terrorism, incitement, and illegal possession of firearms. The Nigerian government recently re-arraigned him on an amended seven-count indictment and has reiterated its intention to continue prosecution.

Kanu has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His continued detention has sparked widespread protests across the southeastern region and drawn international attention, with repeated calls for transparency and strict adherence to due process.