DSS Denies Nnamdi Kanu’s Health Claims, Opposes Transfer to National Hospital

The Department of State Services (DSS) has rejected claims of worsening health conditions made by detained Biafra agitator, Nnamdi Kanu, as grounds for his transfer from its custody to the National Hospital in Abuja. In a counter affidavit, the agency described the claims as exaggerated and made in bad faith to create a false narrative about his medical state.

The DSS argued that its medical facility ranks among the best in the country, with qualified personnel capable of handling Kanu’s health needs. The affidavit, deposed by DSS medical officer Dr. Mohammed Nasir, stated that Kanu is enjoying maximum comfort, security, and access to meals of his choice. It added that medical specialists from the National Hospital and the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital have attended to him at his request.

According to the DSS, Kanu’s health is stable and his reported ailments are manageable within its facilities. The agency recalled that upon his arrival in custody in 2021, he was diagnosed with hypertension, hypertensive heart disease, low potassium levels, and recurrent nosebleeds. It explained that he has since been treated by different specialists, including Dr. Abiodun Olugbenga and Dr. Onye Achillihu, before being placed under the care of Prof. Martin Aghaji in 2025.

The DSS accused Prof. Aghaji of disrupting treatment plans, sidelining its medical officers, and unilaterally recommending Kanu’s transfer to the National Hospital in August. It described his claims as speculative and emotionally charged, insisting that the recommendation lacked credibility since Aghaji had never previously faulted the DSS medical center. The agency further maintained that the National Hospital lacks the necessary security infrastructure to guarantee Kanu’s safety, adding that moving him would require heavy militarization and inconvenience other patients.

Kanu, through his legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kanu Godwin Agabi, filed a motion seeking his transfer on the basis of Aghaji’s recommendation. His lawyers argued that examinations revealed health concerns involving his pancreas, liver, potassium levels, and an emerging lump under his armpit. His younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu, also expressed concern that his condition was deteriorating due to his confinement.

However, a Federal High Court in Abuja declined to hear the motion on Monday. Justice Musa Liman ruled that his fiat to sit as a vacation judge had expired and therefore lacked jurisdiction to entertain the new application.